Mashatile: Youth empowerment ‘an investment in country’s future’
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on the public and private sectors to invest in youth empowerment campaigns.
Mashatile believes these investments will benefit the country by addressing unemployment and growing the economy.
According to Statistics South Africa, the country’s unemployment rate increased from 32.1% in the last quarter of 2023 to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024.
This means the unemployment rate increased by 0.8% ahead of the highly contested general election in May.
Mashatile spoke during the commemoration of Youth Day at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday.
“It is because of their contribution that we were able to vote in the seventh national and provincial elections, in which more than 16 million South Africans exercised their democratic right to vote without fear or intimidation.
“Through your vote, you have spoken and given us all a clear message. You want us as political leaders to put our differences aside and work together to build our country and address the challenges affecting our people but particularly the youth of our country.
“We are determined to put our differences aside and use our collective strength, skills and experience to create the South Africa that the fallen heroes of the 1976 uprising fought for.”
Following the elections last month, the ANC registered its worst performance in 30 years, losing its majority with just 40% of voter support.
Mashatile said the ANC is prepared to successfully lead the government of national unity for the benefit of the country.
“We are confident that under President Ramaphosa and the African National Congress led Government of National Unity, we will continue to address the challenges facing the young people in this country. In this regard, we will in the next five years focus on creating jobs, building an inclusive and growing economy.
“After three decades of democracy, we have once again demonstrated our dedication to the values and principles of democracy through free, fair elections. The elections were a clear demonstration of the strength and vibrancy of our constitutional democracy, highlighting our firm confidence and faith in our transparent and democratic processes.
“Any contribution to youth empowerment is an investment in a bright future for our country as a whole,” added Mashatile.
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