Latest news with #Bukasa
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Human rights organisation, COSATU and economists debate future of social grants
South Africa's economy is not creating enough jobs, so what happens to the millions of people who currently rely on social grants? This was the question raised by activists, economists and labour leaders at a panel discussion hosted by the Black Sash in Cape Town on Wednesday. The event was part of the organisation's 70th anniversary celebrations, and looked at the impact of removing social assistance in a country with high youth unemployment, food insecurity and growing inequality. The General Household Survey released by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) on Tuesday, shows that the proportion of people receiving social grants grew from about 13% in 2003 to 31% in 2019 and surged to 40% in 2024 'due to the introduction of the special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant'. Rachel Bukasa, Executive Director of Black Sash, said social grants are not a luxury, but a necessary response to high unemployment and poverty. 'Grants are an important stop-gap to the poverty and unemployment that exists. One of the biggest misconceptions when we talk about grants is that we don't want people to work. When we call for grants, it's in the absence of the jobs that the government has promised year after year.' She said while job creation remains the goal, the economy doesn't offer enough work for those who need it. Bukasa dismissed claims that grants breed dependency, saying they are a vital safety net while the government works to improve the job market. COSATU's Tony Ehrenreich agreed with Bukasa. He said the alternative to social support from the state is people falling into hunger and desperation. 'Grants are only a requirement when the market has failed. If the market is perfect there will be no need for grants, but the market is not perfect so we need to take care of people in the interim … It's not a question of jobs or grants. It's both,' Ehrenreich said. StatsSA reported that the official unemployment rate stood at about 33% in the first quarter of 2025. The expanded unemployment rate, which includes discouraged job seekers, is 43%. Ehrenreich said these statistics show the current economic direction is not working. 'We can say the system has failed if we look at the unemployment rate and deepening inequality … Must poor people pay for the failure of the rich and the public policymakers who drive around in their fancy cars? That can't be the response.' But political economist Phumlani Majozi said the current grant system is putting too much pressure on the country's fiscus. 'South Africans agree that the best way to move forward as a society is for people to have jobs … In our budget, the social grant expenditure is massive. 65% of our expenditure goes towards social grants, subsidised housing etc … Fiscally, it's not something that is manageable.' He criticised the lack of government vision. 'Where is the plan from the president and his cabinet to say by a certain year these are the targets … It doesn't seem like Enoch Godongwana has a plan.' Majozi said the system discouraged reform. 'There will be no incentive for government to change and pursue policies to encourage economic growth if our first argument is that we need social grants.' To which Bukasa responded that social security is a right, not a favour. 'Social assistance is protected by the Constitution. So we need to do away with the notion that it's a favour the government is doing … The fact that we have high needs for social protection right now is a reflection of governments inability to deliver on job creation.' This article first appeared on GroundUp. Read the original article here.
CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
DR Congo U20 coach Bukasa steps down after elimination, leaves legacy of progress
Published: Wednesday, 14 May 2025 DR Congo's U-20 national team coach, Guy Bukasa, has stepped down following his side's elimination from the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. The Leopards suffered a narrow 1-0 extra-time defeat to South Africa in Ismailia, ending their hopes of a maiden semi-final appearance and qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Bukasa confirmed that he would not be continuing in his role after two years in charge. 'There will be no future for me in this category. I'll stop here,' Bukasa said in a report on 'I thank those who believed in us – the Federation, the government, and everyone who supported this journey.' Bukasa's decision draws the curtain on a tenure that saw DR Congo make strides at youth level despite the disappointment in Egypt. The 44-year-old coach, appointed to reinvigorate a stagnant youth system, oversaw a significant improvement in structure, tactical discipline, and player development. Under his watch, the Leopards returned to the U-20 AFCON after a 12-year absence and advanced past the group stage in one of the tournament's most competitive pools. A Sense of Fulfilment Despite Early Exit Despite the painful elimination, Bukasa expressed pride in his squad, particularly the effort and maturity shown by the young players during the competition. 'These boys, these 24 soldiers, gave everything,' he said. 'Even those who couldn't make the final squad were part of the journey. They followed strict discipline and showed commitment on and off the pitch.' The DR Congo U20s battled through Group C, holding Ghana 1-1, beating Central African Republic 3-1, and narrowly losing to Senegal 2-0. Their performance showed promise, but the defeat to South Africa in extra time highlighted the thin margins that define knockout football. A Void to Fill for Congolese Football Bukasa's departure now leaves the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) with the challenge of identifying a new leader to steer the team through upcoming qualifiers for the African Games and the next U-20 AFCON. His exit also reignites discussions about the long-term development of youth football in DR Congo, a country known for producing elite football talent but lacking consistency in youth competitions. Bukasa acknowledged this structural gap: 'In our country, youth football isn't yet embedded in our sporting culture. We tried to change that. Unfortunately, it stops here for me.' While the coach may be stepping away, many hope the foundations he laid will endure and that the Leopards' next generation can build on this progress.
CAF
05-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Bukasa unfazed as DR Congo U20 prepare for crucial CAR clash at AFCON
Published: Monday, 05 May 2025 DR Congo U20 head coach Guy Bukasa says his side is under no pressure as they prepare to face the Central African Republic in a pivotal Group C match at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Both teams opened their campaigns with 1-1 draws—DR Congo against Ghana, and CAR against defending champions Senegal—setting up a finely balanced encounter in Suez, with the winner likely to take a significant step toward the knockout stages. Despite the high stakes, Bukasa is maintaining a calm and focused approach. 'From the first whistle, we must stay focused and concentrated,' he said. 'The only way to overcome a strong team like Central Africa Republic is by staying compact, being aggressive in the right moments, and taking our chances. We have prepared for that.' Bukasa has been credited with instilling a strong sense of discipline and identity within the Junior Leopards, who are making their return to the tournament for the first time since 2013. The team's performance against Ghana showcased both resilience and tactical structure, hallmarks of Bukasa's philosophy. 'This team is about enjoying the football and fighting hard,' the coach added. 'We are here to do just that.' DR Congo will look to emerging talents such as Samuel Stands, who plays for Italian side Sampdoria, to provide the attacking edge against a CAR side making its third straight appearance in the competition. Their consistent qualification since debuting in 2021 is a testament to their growing status in youth football on the continent. With both sides level on one point and only three group-stage matches to be played, Sunday's contest at the 30 June Stadium is vital. A victory for either team would move them to four points and put one foot in the quarter-finals, while a draw would set up a tense final group game. Bukasa, however, is adamant that his players will not be distracted by permutations or pressure. His message is simple: stay true to the plan, remain composed, and seize the opportunity.
The South African
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs passed on Fiston Mayele before his move to Egypt
Kaizer Chiefs passed on Fiston Mayele before his move to Egypt. Before the Congolese striker joined giants Pyramids FC, where he's been on fire in front of goal, he was offered to the Soweto club. At the time, Mayele had just wrapped up a blistering two-season spell under coach Nasreddine Nabi at Young Africans, where he netted an astonishing 54 goals. Despite his proven scoring ability, Chiefs rejected the offer. 'It is no secret that Mayele was offered to Chiefs, and they turned down the opportunity to sign him,' revealed Christian Bukasa, a close associate of the 30-year-old forward, as quoted by Kick Off . According to Bukasa, Mayele was eager to don the black and gold jersey. 'The player was keen to join Chiefs, but the club decided otherwise because they felt he wasn't worth what he was asking,' Bukasa explained. 'We spoke to Bobby (Motaung), but they turned down the opportunity. What I can tell you is that Chiefs would have paid a transfer fee of not more than R10 million.' Chiefs made their decision before Nasreddine Nabi joined the club — a coach who already knew Mayele's value from their time in Tanzania. That decision now looks questionable. Since moving to Pyramids FC, Mayele has been relentless in front of goal. He scored 21 goals in his debut season and has already notched up 13 this term. That's six straight seasons of hitting double figures — a level of consistency any club dreams of in a striker. Mayele recently reminded South Africans of what they missed. He returned to face Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League semi-final first leg and gave their defense a headache, even though the match ended goalless. 'I believe Mayele would have made a world of a difference at Chiefs because he is a goal-scoring striker as he has proven through the years,' said Bukasa. Today, Mayele earns almost double what he initially asked from Chiefs — and there's no turning back. 'In South Africa, they have their own way of seeing players. Unfortunately, since we last spoke to Chiefs, there has been no further discussions around Mayele,' Bukasa shared. 'He is now with Pyramids, where he is on almost double the money that he had asked from Chiefs.' 'The Chiefs door is closed now, and the next logical move will be Saudi Arabia.' Fiston Mayele's story is a striking reminder of how hesitation in football can cost a club dearly. While Kaizer Chiefs still struggle to find a reliable goalscorer, Mayele continues to rack up numbers that speak for themselves — and his next chapter could be an even bigger payday in Saudi Arabia. Stay tuned with The South African as Kaizer Chiefs passed on Fiston Mayele before his latest move. Will Chiefs still find a way to sign Mayele? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
23-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'Bobby turned down the offer': Kaizer Chiefs blunder cost them Africa's top striker
Kaizer Chiefs reportedly passed on a chance to sign Pyramids striker Fiston Mayele in 2023. It is believed that the Congolese star was offered to Amakhosi for less than R10 million, but the club turned down the offer. Mayele then joined Egyptian side Pyramids, where he scored 54 goals in just two seasons. Mayele's fellow Congolese Christian Bukasa, told Kickoff that the top striker was keen to join Kaizer Chiefs two years ago. 'The player was keen to join Chiefs, but the club decided otherwise because they felt he wasn't worth what he was asking,' Bukasa said as reported by Kickoff. 'We spoke to Bobby (Motaung), but they turned down the opportunity. but what I can tell you is that Chiefs would have paid a transfer fee of not more than R10 million. 'All of this happened before Nabi came to Chiefs. I believe Mayele would have made a world of a difference at Chiefs because he is a goal-scoring striker as he has proven through the years,' he added. 'In South Africa, they have their own way of seeing players and unfortunately, since we last spoke to Chiefs, there has been no further discussions around Mayele. 'He is now with Pyramids, where he is on almost double the money that he had asked from Chiefs,' Bukasa said. 'The Chiefs door is closed now, and the next logical move will be Saudi Arabia.' Kaizer Chiefs have not had a top striker in several years and Mayele would have been a great signing for the club. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
