Democratic Alliance Constituency Head for Laingsburg Daylin Mitchell said there needed to be considerable emphasis in skills development in the country, if the youth unemployment rate is to be effectively tackled.
Figures released by Statistics South Africa reveal that youth employment and poverty levels in South Africa are still unacceptably high, and Mitchell believes there is a desperate need for urgent intervention.
“The DA in the Western Cape notes with concern the statistics released by Stats SA on the state of youth unemployment and poverty in the country,” read a statement released by Mitchell’s office this week.
“I will write to the Minister of Social Development in the Western Cape, Albert Fritz, to inquire whether the programmes which are focused on the previously disadvantaged communities is facilitating youth employability in the province,” he said.
“We must ensure that the youth in those communities not only have access to quality education, but also have support systems in place that will ensure that they remain in school and obtain skills that will enable to access jobs,” he added.
Often, when these figures are released, several reasons are given. Chief among them is always government’s failure to create jobs. Mitchell feels society and government needs to dig deeper than that and centre its focus on providing young people with the skills they need to make a meaningful contribution to the economy.
“Nationwide, unemployment among the youth between the ages of 15-34 remains worryingly high at 39,5 percent. Lack of education and of skills have a major impact on youth unemployment. Although universities boast huge enrolment numbers of youth from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, the reality is that many do not complete their studies and remain unemployed,” explained Mitchell.
“Skills development programmes in combination with a quality education play a pivotal role in reducing poverty and crime, and the DA in the Western Cape is committed to ensuring that all youths in the province have access to quality education that will make them employable in the future. We must provide the best possible environment and opportunities for all youth in the province.”
Figures released by Statistics South Africa reveal that youth employment and poverty levels in South Africa are still unacceptably high, and Mitchell believes there is a desperate need for urgent intervention.
“The DA in the Western Cape notes with concern the statistics released by Stats SA on the state of youth unemployment and poverty in the country,” read a statement released by Mitchell’s office this week.
“I will write to the Minister of Social Development in the Western Cape, Albert Fritz, to inquire whether the programmes which are focused on the previously disadvantaged communities is facilitating youth employability in the province,” he said.
“We must ensure that the youth in those communities not only have access to quality education, but also have support systems in place that will ensure that they remain in school and obtain skills that will enable to access jobs,” he added.
Often, when these figures are released, several reasons are given. Chief among them is always government’s failure to create jobs. Mitchell feels society and government needs to dig deeper than that and centre its focus on providing young people with the skills they need to make a meaningful contribution to the economy.
“Nationwide, unemployment among the youth between the ages of 15-34 remains worryingly high at 39,5 percent. Lack of education and of skills have a major impact on youth unemployment. Although universities boast huge enrolment numbers of youth from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, the reality is that many do not complete their studies and remain unemployed,” explained Mitchell.
“Skills development programmes in combination with a quality education play a pivotal role in reducing poverty and crime, and the DA in the Western Cape is committed to ensuring that all youths in the province have access to quality education that will make them employable in the future. We must provide the best possible environment and opportunities for all youth in the province.”
