Young people have not benefited from South Africa’s economic growth as most are still unemployed, African National Congress Youth League president Fikile Mbalula said on Wednesday.
He was addressing about 1 000 protesters, made up of mostly young people, who gathered at the Union Buildings to protest against a lack of jobs for the youth. The group included union members.
”Enough is enough … We don’t want to be marginalised. All we are asking for is a serious programme of job creation that will benefit the youth,” he said.
He said of the 40% of citizens who are unemployed, about 70% are young people.
Mbalula handed over a memorandum, which was received by representative of the Presidency Dumisane Mahlasela.
Accessible education, a youth development programme and skills training for the youth are some of the demands highlighted in the memorandum.
Mahlasela, who was booed, said all issues raised were noted and will be passed on to the relevant people and dealt with appropriately.
The protesters, who started marching at about noon, were well behaved as they made their way to the Union Buildings from Vermeulen Street. — Sapa