As the country celebrates the 49th anniversary of Youth Day, social media users believe there is little to celebrate this year. The government is expected to address the youth at the North West University Rag Farm Stadium in Potchefstroom.
The event will focus on education, skills and economic development in the country. Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address.
Several ministers will also be present, including Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie and acting CEO of the National Youth Development Agency, Mafiki Duma. This year’s events are held under the theme, “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation”.
Several social media users have aired out their frustrations online. They have highlighted the disconnect between Youth Day celebrations and the harsh realities many young South Africans face. This is as a result of the country’s youth unemployment rate currently standing at a staggering 46.1%.
Taking to X, @Tshediso_MET wrote: “As part of stats, I say happy Unemployed-Youth day. We commemorate the fallen youths who fought for their independence, and frown on the system of today as they piss on the 1976 memory. We are free, but in reality, we are in shackles that our brothers put as they enrich themselves.”
Another user, @moketemthunzi tweeted that there is nothing to be happy about ahead of the government’s commemorations.
Meanwhile, @MceboSekgoto shared: “Happy Youth Day, Today, we celebrate Youth Day – a day to honour the courage, resilience, & potential of young people. Yet, for many, this day is also a stark reminder of the immense challenges we are facing, particularly the distressing reality of high youth unemployment in SA!”
Despite growing frustration, government leaders maintain that addressing youth issues remains a central focus. According to the SA Government News Agency, Mashatile acknowledged that the country is well aware of the ongoing challenges facing today’s young people.
As a result, he emphasised that these issues remain a top priority for government intervention.
“Government is putting a strong emphasis on the importance of strong collaboration by all implementing partners on education, skills and economic development to link youth with education and economic opportunities to address youth unemployment in our country,” said the deputy president.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO ADDRESS YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
