HOW GNU WORSENED YOUTH'S PLIGHT

'This is more than just an economic issue. It is a moral emergency,' concedes Mashatile

- NICOLA DANIELS

THE 46.1% unemployment rate among young people, the worst in the world, is proof that the Government of National Unity (GNU) has no plans to address the crisis, say political analysts.

Yesterday marked 49 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising where scores of youth protested against Afrikaans being enforced as the exclusive medium of instruction in African schools.

Unemployment among young people dominated yesterday's commemoration, with questions being raised about the effectiveness of the GNU since its establishment about a year ago following the May 2024 elections.

Young people between the ages of 15 and 34 make up just over half of South Africa's working-age population, about 20.9 million people.

The latest data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that more than half of young people aged between 18 and 34 are unemployed. Deputy President Paul Mashatile conceded yesterday that this is one of the highest levels the country has ever seen, and it is of grave concern. University of the Free State politics lecturer, Sanet Solomons said unemployment and access to quality education remained a challenge as hundreds of schools remain understaffed and under-resourced.