NUPSAW salutes all the martyrs of our liberation struggle.
The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) joins millions of South Africans in commemorating the historic Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976. We honor the bravery of the youth who stood against the oppressive apartheid regime. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role young people play in shaping our nation.
We commemorate this year’s Youth Day against a background of high levels of crime, gender-based violence, unemployment and inequality. The current level of unemployment poses a major impediment to youth empowerment and social mobility in this country. The current administration has no clear plan to lead the way in curbing unemployment and reducing poverty amongst the youth of this country.
It is disheartening that thirty-one years into democracy, the youth are still locked out of employment opportunities, many are sitting at home with qualifications that serve no purpose because there are no jobs to apply for, they are locked out of the economy and are unable to start businesses due to no resources and support from government to create opportunities.
Levels of crime are also a significant threat, particularly to youth, women, and children. They can be linked to high unemployment rates, as many individuals often seek alternative means of survival. At the core of high levels of crime are unemployment and poverty which are directly linked to issues like crime and gender-based violence.
We encourage the youth to boldly step into leadership roles within their communities, drive meaningful change, and remain true to their values. They must not be afraid to speak up and share their voices, for it is their courage, vision, and authenticity that will shape a better future. It is the youth that has the power to change the status quo and lead the way to eradicate the social injustices that persist in our communities- including inadequate education, lack of access to housing, and the denial of basic human necessities.
Furthermore, the scourge of corruption in both the private and public sector has over the years deprived many young people, the majority of whom are from the working class community, of their rights to decent living and access to opportunities. The recent scandal surrounding the appointment of the board chairperson of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) is a clear indication of corruption and nepotism that threatens the livelihoods of the youth in our country. Minister Nobuhle Nkabane wanted to impose elite individuals who are politically connected to be SETA board chairpersons. NUPSAW calls on all political parties in Parliament to ensure effective oversight across all public service institutions, to safeguard our country’s fiscus.
NUPSAW is also saddened by the loss of lives due to devastating floods and extreme weather conditions that have struck the Mthatha area in the Eastern Cape. We call on the authorities to speedily attend to the situation in the area to find a permanent solution to the problem. It is devastating that almost 20 healthcare facilities and 58 schools are damaged in the area.
Lastly, we call on both the public and private sectors to prioritize youth skills development and to ensure that comprehensive plans are in place to address the financial exclusion of students in universities and TVET colleges. NUPSAW will continue advocating for fair wages to ensure workers are treated with respect and receive a living wage. We cannot allow the deaths of those young people who lost their lives fighting for liberation back in 1976 be in vain!
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Issued by NUPSAW
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