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IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's Opposition Parties Criticise Q2 Jobs Data Amid Unemployment Crisis
concerns about growing number of unemplpyed people in the country Image: Ron Lach/Pexels South Africa's second quarter 2025 jobs data has triggered strong criticism from political parties and organised labour, with calls for urgent economic reforms, job creation programmes, and government accountability. They have all warned that the country's unemployment crisis is worsening in real terms. 'Jobs give dignity and independence, but the current pace of growth is far too slow to make a dent in South Africa's unemployment crisis,' said Free SA spokesperson Reuben Coetzer. 'We cannot pat ourselves on the back for adding 0.3% more jobs when our working-age population is growing at the same rate, or faster. In realterms, we are standing still, while millions remain jobless.' Free SA argued that the Western Cape's recent rise to become the province with the second highest number of employed people, overtaking KwaZulu-Natal, shows the benefits of a more business-friendly environment. 'The Western Cape's example shows that a more business-friendly environment delivers results. Other provinces and national government must take note,' Coetzer said. The group called for reduced policy uncertainty, the removal of unnecessary regulations, reforms to restrictive labour laws, and urgent improvements to infrastructure and services. The DA's spokesperson on Employment and Labour, Michael Bagraim, said the figures show 'the ANC's economic policies are not working and are only driving more and more South Africans into misery.' He added: 'We cannot do the same thing over and over and expect a different result, which is why the DA's plan to turbocharge the economy is so important.' Bagraim said the DA's plan includes cutting bureaucracy and red tape, scrapping 'job-killing race-based legislation,' ensuring electricity security, improving local government functionality, and reducing crime to encourage investment. 'The time for talkshops is long past. The time to take action is now,' he said. FEDUSA said the high unemployment rate was 'a big setback for the country's economy and many households,' warning that it makes life harder for families, increases poverty and inequality, and slows economic growth. The union federation called for more job opportunities, stronger support for small businesses, improved skills training, and policies that encourage investment. 'With the upcoming National Dialogue, FEDUSA demands that it must produce actionable outcomes on employment creation, decent work, and wage progression, written into a national compact with timelines, deliverables, and accountability mechanisms,' the organisation said. While FEDUSA acknowledged the slight rise in the employment rate, it stressed that 'the increase in the official unemployment rate shows that job creation remains a major challenge for South Africa.' ActionSA leader in Parliament Alan Beesley said the GNU had overseen 'almost 350 000' more unemployed people so far in 2025, describing the government as 'hapless' and 'rudderless.' He accused coalition partners of being 'at odds with their coalition partner, the ANC, on virtually every element of their supposed plan to 'save' South Africa's economy.' 'Minister Meth, if not you, then who will take action?' Beesley said, referencing the Minister of Employment and Labour. He also warned that slow growth, which has not exceeded 1% under the GNU, could face further pressure from 'anticipated new US tariffs.' 'For those impacted, this is not just the absence of work but a suffocating darkness that erodes hope, dignity, and self-worth. According to the expanded definition, 12 million South Africans remain trapped in that darkness,' Beesley said.
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
HOW GNU WORSENED YOUTH'S PLIGHT
PROBLEM: Youth unemployment crisis in South Africa Image: Ron Lach/Pexels 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. Monday 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 Monday'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 on Monday 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. 'This is detrimental to those that show promise as their environmental challenges will overshadow their capabilities, leaving them stuck in a cycle of poverty. To date thousands of graduates still have not managed to access the workforce; while some earn a minimum wage that can barely cover their household expenses amid the rising cost of living. Thus, reinforcing the sentiment that very few opportunities exist for this segment of society. Many expected a different outcome or better opportunities under a government of national unity, but these hopes have been dashed as the youth still struggles decades later. As the country commemorates this day, it should be mindful of those who live in poverty with limited access to opportunities. Better needs to be done for them," she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Political analyst professor Sipho Seepe said the GNU had prioritised 'nothing beyond spending an inordinate amount of time trying to justify its existence'. 'Last year was all about internecine bickering. This stems from major flaws in foundations. The ANC's share of the vote declined by a humongous 17 percent in one electoral cycle. This is a damning statement than Ramaphosa's version that says the voters wanted political parties to work together. On the other hand, the DA is on record in ensuring that the demise of the ANC happens pretty soon. There is no love lost between the ANC and the DA. Under the ANC-DA coalition, unemployment among the youth continues to skyrocket to unmanageable levels.' He said the ANC of Ramaphosa has not only failed but has reversed whatever gains were made in the last 30 years. 'So there is nothing that the youth should expect from it beyond revolutionary sounding statements signifying nothing,' said Seepe. Addressing the National Youth Day commemoration, in Potchefstroom, North West on Monday, Mashatile said was also deeply worrying was the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training. 'The current figure stands at about 3.8 million. Among 15–24-year-olds, 37.1% fall into this category, with young women being slightly more affected than young men. If we look at the wider age group of 15–34 years, the rate is even higher at 45.1%. Even our graduates are struggling, with nearly 1 in 4 graduates (23.9%) struggling to gain employment. This is more than just an economic issue. It is a moral emergency. We must fix the structural challenges in our economy to address inequality and skills mismatch between education and what the job market needs.'
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Youth Day: Are we celebrating a lie?
In the first quarter of this year, more than 62% of young people aged 15 to 24 were unemployed. That's not a statistic, it's a scream. Image: Ron Lach/Pexels ON Monday, South Africa will once again light candles, wave flags, and sing tributes in honour of the young people who stood fearlessly against apartheid during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. There will be speeches, ceremonies, and commemorations. Youth Day, we are told, is a celebration of progress and promise. But as we stand in 2025, I ask: What exactly are we celebrating? For millions of young South Africans, this country has become a place of despair. Not dignity. Of betrayal. Not an opportunity. And this Youth Day, I cannot pretend otherwise. Let's confront the truth: South Africa's youth have been abandoned by their government. In the first quarter of this year, more than 62% of young people aged 15 to 24 were unemployed. That's not a statistic, it's a scream. That's two out of every three young people without a job, without experience, and a future. If we widen the bracket to include youth up to 34 years old, unemployment still hovers at a crushing 46.1%. Think about that. Nearly half of our nation's potential, our energy, innovation, and hope, is sitting idle, humiliated, anxious, and excluded. We are raising a generation who are being taught by this economy and this government that they are disposable. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The youth of 2025 are facing several challenges, from high employent rates to substance abuse. Image: File No amount of Youth Day posters can cover that up. While our politicians prepare Youth Day speeches, our most vulnerable children continue to be raped, abused, sold, and discarded in the shadows of our poorest communities. Last year alone, more than 26 000 cases of child abuse were reported, a horrifying number, and likely an undercount. Nearly 10 000 sexual abuse cases were formally registered. These are not distant crimes. They are happening daily in communities where police don't arrive, social workers are overwhelmed, and shelters are full or non-existent. And yet the state fails to respond. Fails to protect. Fails to act. One in three children in South Africa has experienced sexual abuse. One in three! How can we call ourselves a nation in honour of the youth when we cannot even guarantee their safety in their own homes, schools, and communities? In too many schools, classrooms are overflowing, not with opportunity, but with chaos. In Cosmo City, Grade I learners are crammed — 87 to a single class. In some rural and township schools, that number balloons to more than 100 learners per teacher. Imagine trying to teach a class like that. Imagine trying to learn in it. Our teachers are burning out. Exhausted, unsupported, and underpaid. Many haven't seen an increase in resources or staffing in years. And still, they show up. Still, they try to teach. But passion cannot substitute for policy. And commitment cannot cover for collapse. We say Youth Day honours the brave young souls of 1976. But we disrespect their memory when we allow a new generation to suffer in silence. The youth of 1976 demanded quality education, dignity, and a future. Today, their grandchildren inherit broken schools, unsafe communities, and a job market that has no space for them. So what are we celebrating? Are we honouring the lives of those who died in Soweto by ignoring the cries of a raped child in Delft? Are we waving flags in memory of Hector Pieterson while teachers collapse from fatigue in overcrowded classrooms? Are we really singing about progress while over half of our youth cannot find a job? Let us not insult the past with false celebrations. If our leaders truly care about the youth, then Monday must be a moment of reckoning, not rhetoric. We demand: Immediate and sustained investment in education infrastructure. No child should learn in a class of 100. A fully funded national child protection strategy. With real social workers. Real shelters. Real intervention. Youth employment policies that create meaningful, long-term work. Not just short-term stipends, but real economic inclusion. And above all, we demand political will — the kind of courage our youth showed in 1976, to confront and fix the systems that are failing our young people every single day.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Jobless youth call for practical solutions in National Dialogue
Youth unemployment crisis in South Africa: A call to action. Image: Ron Lach/Pexels In a landscape where high unemployment and socio-economic disparities continue to plague South Africa, the voice of the youth is becoming increasingly pivotal. Abigail Moyo, spokesperson for the trade union UASA, has outlined the urgent need for practical and effective solutions that address the concerns of jobless young South Africans amid President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent address regarding the National Dialogue. The National Dialogue is lauded as a significant step towards generating constructive solutions to some of the country's most pressing issues. However, Moyo cautions that the dialogue may be 'somewhat out of touch with reality', as many South Africans, particularly the youth, are still grappling with the adverse effects of unemployment and inequality. Moyo expressed hope that the Eminent Persons Group, a team of distinguished leaders tasked with guiding the National Dialogue, will focus on the persistent challenges of unemployment and socio-economic difficulties. 'We hope they will help the government develop viable solutions to overcome this national crisis,' she said, highlighting the importance of addressing the grievances of the nation's youth. While acknowledging the expertise and achievements of the Eminent Persons Group, Moyo raised a key concern: the absence of young people in crucial discussions that shape their futures. 'Where are the young people who face the daily challenges of unemployment and inequality? We want to see them contributing to these dialogues and sharing their innovative ideas,' she urged, citing historical parallels with the youth who courageously fought against apartheid in 1976. This call to action is not merely a plea for inclusion; it is an urgent appeal for young voices to be integral in shaping policies that affect their lives. Just as the youth of 1976 played a critical role in reshaping South Africa's future, today's young generation is positioned to lead and contribute towards creating robust solutions for the generations that follow. Moyo advocates for the establishment of a dedicated forum that enables graduates and job seekers to engage in meaningful dialogue surrounding the real-life challenges they face. 'While experience, knowledge, and wisdom are important,' she remarked, 'some proactive solutions come from those who live by the realities and challenges of daily life.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The trade union spokesperson emphasised that inclusive policymaking should be the order of the day. Young people should be actively involved in decision-making processes, allowing their perspectives to drive meaningful change. 'Practical and effective solutions can only be reached when youth are part of these important conversations,' Moyo asserted. To that end, she encouraged broader society—including stakeholders, leaders, and government—to join forces in the quest for a prosperous future. 'It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that things work inclusively, with sufficient support to achieve these goals, thus shaping a better future for our country,' she concluded. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
IOL News
13-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
How systemic hurdles hinder South African youth from accessing the vital R370 SRD grant
Over four million young South Africans rely on the R370 Social Relief of Distress grants. Image: Ron Lach / Pexels In South Africa, over four million young individuals are currently benefiting from the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, an essential lifeline for many amid escalating economic challenges. However, systemic and technical barriers are hindering the efforts of youth applicants to secure these crucial funds, according to the social justice organisation, Black Sash. South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) spokesperson Andile Tshona said while there are currently over four million young beneficiaries receiving SRD grants, it is difficult to say whether this figure is more or less than the previous years, as the numbers keep changing. 'Remember that the SRD grant is not permanent. Some come through the system through approvals. At the same time, others get off the SRD grant as they no longer qualify after being reviewed,' he said. Black Sash executive director Rachel Bukasa said youth applicants for the SRD grant face multiple systemic and technical barriers. These barriers include unjust disqualifications due to outdated or inaccurate data from third-party databases (e.g., UIF, SARS) and delays in ID verification, particularly for young people recently issued with identity documents. Bukasa said other issues include the lack of digital access or data, which hinders online applications or status checks. She said poor communication from Sassa makes it difficult to understand rejection reasons or appeal processes and banking verification failures, especially for youth using accounts not in their name and digital wallets. There is also limited awareness about how to reapply or appeal decisions, especially among the youth in rural or underserved areas. 'Black Sash is actively working to support young SRD applicants through rights education and awareness campaigns, including digital content and community outreach that explain how to apply, appeal, and escalate,' said Bukasa. In addition, Bukasa said the organisation has paralegal support via the Black Sash Community Advice Offices and Helpline, guiding youth through verification or appeal processes. 'We also engage Sassa and the Department of Social Development (DSD) at the policy level, advocating for a more transparent and accessible SRD process, especially for youth and marginalised groups. Bukasa said Black Sash does active monitoring in the field, particularly during grant payment weeks, and reports SRD-related issues and trends to hold the government accountable and push for systemic reform. Aliya Chikte, project manager at the Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC), agreed that young people encounter multiple obstacles at every stage of the SRD grant process. Chikte said there are also language barriers, biometric identity verification systems that are difficult to navigate, and an over-reliance on the formal banking system. 'Additionally, millions are wrongly disqualified because the income threshold is set below the Food Poverty Line - meaning even those in dire need are denied support,' she said. Chikte said 700,000 people are over 18 but still in the schooling system. 'These school learners are kicked off the Child Support Grant despite their nutritional needs remaining the same.' Chikte advised that there needs to be a universal basic income guarantee to ensure that youth do not fall deeper into poverty, especially in the context of mass unemployment. 'The government cannot make income support contingent on searching for jobs that do not exist,' she said. Kgothatso Sibanda, Black Sash Helpline manager, stated that they receive over 35 calls weekly from individuals facing issues with ID verification for SRD grants. Sibanda said the people who receive the grant have little to no income. 'This R370 grant, although it's small, does go a long way for those applicants. Without it, they cannot meet their needs or even hunt for a job.' She said a major issue is the verification link needed by beneficiaries from Sassa to prevent fraudulent activity. Beneficiaries fail to receive the link, and in some cases, the systems are down at Sassa and Home Affairs at varying times, she said. This affects not only those who are flagged but also those who need to change their cellphone numbers. 'From last year around June/July, we started getting a lot of complaints from people who were not getting links,' she said, noting that, according to Sassa, the system is automated. Sibanda said people wait up to three or more months without getting the link. She recommended that the verification be done at a Sassa local office to ensure that verification processes are sped up. 'If local office staff have access to the link, where applicants are able to go, that will really assist in speeding up the process,' said Sibanda. [email protected]
