This week, government is set to launch a range of actions to create opportunities for the youth as the country gears up to celebrate Youth Day on Wednesday.

In his weekly letter to the nation President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that these measures aim to enhance skills development, support young entrepreneurs and allow for the participation of the youth in the country’s economy.

SA Youth, a national pathway management network, will be established to help young South Africans access opportunities in the labour market, as well as receive support.

This forms part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, which aims to rapidly scale workable models of skills development or active labour market policies, to reach as many youth as possible.

Ramaphosa pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened unemployment, which is the greatest problem facing the country’s youth.

“Creating more opportunities for young people, and supporting young people to access these opportunities, is government’s foremost priority. Everything that we do as a government contributes towards improving the lives of young people. Tackling youth unemployment requires accelerating economic growth, particularly in labour-intensive sectors, and building the capability of the state to fulfil its developmental role,” he said.

In paying tribute to the youth that fought for freedom during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, Ramaphosa also saluted the youth involved in building and developing the country today.

In particular, he acknowledged young community volunteers, young entrepreneurs and those studying to better their lives and the lives of their families.

“We also salute the young men and women who have not given up hope, who keep working to improve their lives. Young people are doing their part; they need government, and indeed all of society, to do ours. Our country is going through the most difficult of times, but we are working daily to expand the frontiers of hope,” Ramaphosa said.

YOUTH DAY

Meanwhile, the country will commemorate the events of June 16, 1976 on Wednesday, which Ramaphosa says is a reminder of the immense power and agency that young people have to create a better future for themselves.

However, Ramaphosa expressed disappointment that many young South Africans, particularly the so-called Generation Z  have not heard of the events that took place on June 16, 1976.

According to the Human Sciences Research Council 2019/2020 South African Social Attitudes Survey, almost 40% of Generation Z have not heard of the June 16 events, while almost the same number has heard about it but know very little detail of the events that took place.

Ramaphosa said the country ought to do more to ensure that the message of this event, of young people taking charge of their destiny and standing up against apartheid rule, is transmitted faithfully. 

“Due to the sacrifices of the 1976 generation, the opportunities young black men and women have today are both vastly different and greatly improved. Keeping the story of June 16th alive is a reminder to today’s generation of the great sacrifices made to secure their freedom,” said Ramaphosa.