/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

GOOD calls on the government to act on its promises and release funds identified for youth employment programmes amid an unemployment crisis of an unprecedented scale.

In the 2024 budget speech earlier this year, the Finance Minister allocated R7.4 Billion for the Presidential Employment Initiative (PES). 

This initiative aims to work hand in hand with the Department of Labour and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to ensure economic opportunities for South Africans, in particular the youth. 

Yet, funds for the next phase have not been rolled out which is needed for programmes such as the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI). This initiative has led to more than 1.7 million work opportunities created and supported 20 000 schools in all 9 provinces within a four-year period. While these initiatives pick up pace, government departments drag their feet over funding. 

GOOD echoes the sentiments of various organisations and youth as we call on the relevant departments to engage transparently with the South African public surrounding the funding of promised initiatives. 

The departments must release the funding for initiatives such as BEEI immediately in order to continue this positive momentum. 

With every week that passes more desperate youth fall victim to unemployment scams happening under these departments’ banners. 

South Africa cannot afford to leave behind those who we will be relying upon for the next half-century. 

We therefore call on the Department of Labour and UIF to:

1.⁠ ⁠Engage transparently with all citizens of South Africa as to why the funding delays have occurred.

2.⁠ ⁠Deliver a clear and concise plan as to where this budget allocation will go and how this will be implemented on the ground.

3.⁠ ⁠Finance and commit to initiatives such as the BEEI in order to stabilize the youth unemployment and education sectors.

Over 44% of young people aged 15-34 are not in jobs, education or training. 

We must eliminate this threat before it finishes consuming our youth’s future and subsequently South Africa’s.

Issued by GOOD National Youth Chairperson Kaden Arguile