By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says he is confident that under his leadership in the government of national unity, South Africa will continue to address the challenges facing the youth.
Mashatile was speaking at the 48th anniversary of Youth Day at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo.
He was accompanied by several ministers and the newly elected premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba.
This year marks 48 years since the events of June 16, 1976, when the young people of Soweto and other parts of the country rose up against the inequality of Bantu education.
“We will in the next five years, focus on creating jobs and building an inclusive and growing economy. We will equally focus on implementing a programme focused on skilling youth with the skills of the future,” he said .
He acknowledged the challenges facing the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and assured youngsters that they will ensure the scheme is administered efficiently.
He believes that NSFAS remains a critical vehicle that supports students from poor and working-class families, with over 70% of university and more than 90% of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students benefiting from the scheme.
“We must work together, the private sector, government and civil society must work together to address these challenges.”
The Deputy President also emphasised the need for a whole-of-society approach to provide young people with better access to quality education, basic skills, and employment opportunities, especially those who live in rural areas.
Despite the country’s challenging financial circumstances, he said the State continues to invest in youth human capital development, with more than R31. 8 billion pumped into basic education in 2023 and R130.1 billion for post-secondary education training in 2022.
He touched on government’s efforts to create opportunities for youth through programmes such as the National Youth Development Agency and Enterprise Development Programme.
“As the government, we want to see more young people actively involved in the economy and participating in decisions that affect their lives.
“This time around, young people have a government that cares for, prioritises their needs, and wants to see them succeed, unlike the government of 1976.”
Government’s comprehensive approach to reducing youth unemployment, he said, includes formal education, internships, and assistance for youth entrepreneurship through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.
“Without the employment of young people, growth cannot occur. I am confident that the seventh administration will continue with efforts to position young people as essential drivers and beneficiaries of economic transformation.”
The Deputy also took the time to pay tribute to the fallen heroes and saluted the brave youth who fought for liberation.
“As we traverse the economic challenges, we urge the youth to adopt the same attitude as Hector Peterson, Mbuyisa Makhubo, Tsietsi Mashinini, and all the youth of 1976, whose sacrifices gave birth to our political freedom. Their efforts have set us on the right path towards a South Africa that is non-racial, non-sexist and democratic.”