By: Natasha Archary
In marking another Youth Month in SA this June, the Kaya Drive team wanted to know if there’s any merit in celebrating struggle holidays.
With a non-performing ruling party at the helm, and the prevalence of unemployment amongst the youth at an all-time high, what’s the value of Youth Day or Youth Month for young people today?
The latest StatsSA Quarterly Labour Force Survey paints a bleak image as it revealed yet another increase in unemployment levels in South Africa – with some reports indicating that our 44.4% unemployment rate is now the highest in the world.
The National Youth Agency (NYDA) has come under fire for failing the youth by being “clueless” about what its mandate is.
NYDA has according to the DA, failed to successfully implement the YES programme and create the job opportunities that were promised by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The agency has partnered up with various government departments to assist young entrepreneurs. However, the outcomes of the partnerships remain unclear.
Some of the challenges that NYDA faces are self-inflicted and need to be addressed urgently to get our young people back in the jobs market.
Every year on Youth Day, the President addresses the country about the developments government has made to create opportunities for the youth.
Driving home the same message about drawing inspiration from the youth of 1976 who stood up for their right to a better education.
But what happens once Youth Day and Youth Month is over?
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Drive:
It’s not just Youth Day
It’s not just Youth Day however, as Keneiloe Huma pointed out that the same goes for Worker’s Day, on 1 May.
“I don’t see the point of observing these struggle holidays, like what’s the point of Worker’s Day? Workers are still struggling, people are still getting paid a salary that doesn’t give them a better life. How are these holidays serving the people?”
Keneiloe Huma on struggle holidays
For many Kaya Drive listeners, the holidays are a deeply rooted part of the lives of South Africans. “It’s part of our identity,” shared one listener.
