Duduzane Zuma, the First Deputy President of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), said government on its own cannot create the jobs South Africa needs. He was speaking at an MK Party provincial election rally at K Hall in uMlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.
Zuma said the party wants to open more doors for young people through business, entrepreneurship and investment. He said these are needed to create jobs that last.
“Government can only employ so many people. The reason I am saying this is that I am sure you are sick and tired, just as all of us are, of hearing the same old stories and the same promises,” Zuma said, according to SABC News.
Youth unemployment is one of the main issues ahead of the local government elections. Zuma urged supporters to use their vote on 4 November to push for change and more economic chances for young people.
According to SABC News, the MKP says it is committed to creating 400,000 jobs for young people over five years.
Zuma said employment depends on investment. He said that when investment comes in, opportunities follow.
He told the crowd that not everyone can work in government. “Not all of us can be involved in government departments or municipalities. Among us, there must be people who create opportunities, business people, entrepreneurs and those outside government who are willing to step forward and make a difference,” he said.
Zuma said young people are taking the lead around the world. He said he had travelled and lived in different places, and had seen this in politics, business, technology and governance.
“Across the African continent, including South Africa, there is a hunger and a need for younger leaders to emerge. This continent has the youngest population in the world and some of the greatest opportunities, yet we are the ones not taking advantage of them,” he said.
He said that while everyone is watching the elections, young people should also look at the opportunities that politics can bring.
Zuma said the MK Party has not yet put its plan into action. He said the party first needs to win power at the polls.
“The vision outlined by the president of this organisation is backed by a solid plan, and that plan involves young people. However, for us to deliver on that plan, we must first deliver power to the people,” he said.
“Elections come only once in a while, and the only power we have as Black people and as young people in this country is our vote,” Zuma added.
South Africans will vote in the local government elections on 4 November.
Source: this article is based on reporting by SABC News. Image: SABC News. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Business desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Anelisa Nkuna covers business and money news for Tzaneen Voice. Anelisa reports on the rand, fuel prices, interest rates, jobs, Eskom, Transnet, farming and company results. The aim is simple: explain what the numbers mean for household budgets, small businesses and workers in South Africa.