SAYTA calls for govt to address youth unemployment
In the second quarter, joblessness rose to 33.2%, with youth unemployment stubbornly high at 46.1%.
Amid these bleak figures, many South Africans say they are tired of speeches and promises from government leaders.
They call on government to use the National Dialogue to address youth unemployment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Macpherson restores EPWP funding to Matjhabeng Municipality
An investigation was launched after allegations that EPWP workers were being paid R31 000 per month. The Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, has restored funding for EPWP projects in the troubled Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State. Macpherson had frozen funding for EPWP projects after it was alleged that funds were being abused and that some officials in the municipality were being paid enormous salaries through these funds. However, in a media statement on Sunday, Macpherson said he will now release the funds after investigations revealed that EPWP funds have not been misappropriated. 'When I first learned of the allegations, I moved speedily to ensure that public funds are protected and that an investigation be conducted as soon as possible. 'I, therefore, commend departmental officials for conducting the investigation within three weeks, which found that all EPWP funds transferred to Matjhabeng are accounted for, and that grant money was used strictly for its intended purpose – creating work opportunities for unemployed South Africans. 'As the department of Public Works & Infrastructure, we will continue to ensure good governance and accountability,' Macpherson said. The Matjhabeng Local Municipality is one of the most troubled municipalities in the Free State province, with problems with basic delivery, such as water, and the maintenance of infrastructure. They are also in trouble for their massive debt to Eskom and their water supplier. Which workers are getting irregular salaries? Macpherson said it was discovered that the officials who were being paid the controversial salaries are from a supporting unit within the mayor's office. He said they were being paid from the municipality's pocket. 'While these officials' salaries are significantly higher than the EPWP stipend, their contracts are municipal appointments linked to the Executive Mayor's term and fall outside of the EPWP framework. 'While it may be considered unnecessary for such a unit, that is within the political decision-making realm of the mayor and not the minister to determine,' he said. ALSO READ: Macpherson suspends all EPWP funds to municipality Transparency with EPWP in municipalities Macpherson said EPWP projects are essential in creating work opportunities and developing new skills for job seekers. He had been criticised by the municipality and unions for temporarily halting these funds. However, he said there should be transparency with all EPWP projects to ensure public money is used for what it is meant for. 'As we work to reform the EPWP program towards becoming more transparent, a skills-transfer and a hand-up to permanent employment, the integrity of the program is paramount. 'Where allegations arise, we will investigate these speedily and provide feedback to the public as we have done in this case. 'This will ensure that a culture of transparency is built within the programme to keep officials accountable for how funds are distributed. Through this action, we are building a better department which will help us build a better South Africa,' he said. NOW READ: Macpherson breaks silence on IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka bribery attempt
TimesLIVE
2 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Macpherson clears Matjhabeng municipality of EPWP funds misuse
Public works and infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson has determined that Matjhabeng Local Municipality properly used Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) funds for 2023/24 and 2024/25 on approved projects. Macpherson has directed that withheld EPWP funds be released so projects can continue, while stressing that the municipality must account for its decision to establish the support unit. He released the findings of the department's investigation into allegations that the EPWP in Matjhabeng was used to fund inflated salaries for former councillors and sitting political office bearers. This is after he suspended EPWP transfers to the municipality pending an investigation in July after a City Press investigation found that salaries exceeding R31,000 a month were paid to these officials, more than ten times the average EPWP stipend. 'When I first learnt of the allegations, I moved speedily to ensure that public funds are protected and that an investigation be conducted as soon as possible. I therefore commend departmental officials for conducting the investigation within three weeks,which found that all EPWP funds transferred to Matjhabeng are accounted for, and that grant money was used strictly for its intended purpose — creating work opportunities for unemployed South Africans. As the department of public works & infrastructure, we will continue to ensure good governance and accountability,' Macpherson said. He said the officials highlighted in media reports are not EPWP participants and are not paid from the EPWP integrated grant. While these officials' salaries are significantly higher than the EPWP stipend, their contracts are municipal appointments linked to the executive mayor's term and fall outside the EPWP framework. Macpherson said the investigation established that all EPWP integrated grant allocations for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years were fully spent on approved projects, creating 373 and 751 work opportunities, respectively. 'Expenditure patterns reported by the municipality correlated with proof of payment to participants,' he said. Macpherson said the municipality has to answer itself on the merits of establishing an EPWP support unit using funding from the municipality's budget. 'As we work to reform the EPWP programme towards becoming more transparent, a skills-transfer and a hand-up to permanent employment, the integrity of the programme is paramount. Where allegations arise, we will investigate these speedily and provide feedback to the public as we have done in this case. This will ensure that a culture of transparency is built within the programme to keep officials accountable for how funds are distributed. Through this action, we are building a better department which will help us build a better South Africa,' he said.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Get your smart ID at these banks – Here's how
Get your smart ID at these banks – Here's how South Africans no longer have to rely solely on Home Affairs offices to apply for a Smart ID card. Through the eHomeAffairs system, several major banks — including Absa, Capitec, Discovery Bank, FNB, Investec, Nedbank, and Standard Bank — now offer the service at selected branches, with plans for a major expansion in the coming years. How does it work? Apply and book: Complete your application online via the Home Affairs eHomeAffairs portal, then book your branch visit. No walk-ins allowed. Government of South Africa Complete your application online via the Home Affairs eHomeAffairs portal, then book your branch visit. No walk-ins allowed. Government of South Africa Biometrics at the bank: At the scheduled appointment, the bank captures your biometric data (photo and fingerprints). At the scheduled appointment, the bank captures your biometric data (photo and fingerprints). Payment: Payment must be made via the same bank whose branch you selected for your appointment. Payment must be made via the same bank whose branch you selected for your appointment. Collect Your document: Your Smart ID or passport will be ready for collection from the same branch, typically within a few weeks. New digital path (for Capitec & FNB): Soon, you'll be able to apply directly via your banking app, without needing to visit a branch—Home Affairs calls this the 'digital-first' or 'Home Affairs @ Home' model. The Department of Home Affairs and partner banks plan to expand the number of branches offering the service to 100 by March 2026 and 1,000 by March 2029. This expansion is possible because banks already have the biometric fingerprint and facial recognition systems needed for secure processing, allowing Home Affairs to integrate directly into their infrastructure. What you'll need for a first-time Smart ID application According to the Department of Home Affairs, the required documents — and whether a fee applies — depend on your age and circumstances. Youth (16 years and older) Birth certificate Certified copy of a parent's, legal guardian's, or informant's ID Death certificate (or certified copy) if parents are deceased Proof of residence, if available, or a provided residential address Free of charge Pensioners (60 years and older) Green bar-coded ID book, or an affidavit if the ID is lost Proof of residence, if available, or a provided residential address Marriage certificate (if married) for status verification Divorce decree (if divorced) for status verification Free of charge Other citizens Green bar-coded ID book, or an affidavit if the ID is lost Proof of residence, if available, or a provided residential address Marriage certificate (if married) for status verification Divorce decree (if divorced) for status verification Fee: R140 Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
