The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) held the first day of its two-day commemorative event titled “Youth and the Economy” at the apartheid museum in Johannesburg.
This event marks a significant milestone, celebrating 30 years of freedom and democracy, while critically examining the intersection of youth, economic participation, and the challenges that continue to plague this demographic.
Launched last year and continued into this year, the initiative aims to address urgent issues surrounding youth employment and combat the shadow of poverty that lingers over many young South Africans.
As the country reflects on three decades of progress, the GCIS event serves as a platform for dialogue on the role of youth in transforming the economy, highlighting both achievements and ongoing struggles.
Josias Pila, 37, communications manager at GCIS said: “Government’s snail pace in addressing the injustices of the past, means the injustices and lack of opportunities will continue, government needs to move fast in making policies which favour young people”.
Attendees echoed sentiments of frustration and disillusionment, with many expressing their disappointment at the government’s failure to deliver meaningful change over the years. These sentiments echo throughout the youth community in South Africa, where hope and confidence in government promises have dwindled.
Speaking to IOL, Gugulezwe Magubane, the branch secretary of the Youth Development desk in Soweto said: “While we appreciate the efforts in policy formations, the black youth finds it difficult to enter institutions of higher learning. We, the youth of Gauteng, have to compete with migrating learners across the country and continent to get the education needed to obtain economic liberation.
“We can’t have the President call for a skills revolution, yet we still rely on Pakistan shops and other foreign dominated industries for fixing phones, building houses, even the salon industry is not dominated by us. We need a government that is patriotic in policy and mostly implementing a Pro South African Youth first government, our participation is as consumers and not in the production and ownership of goods and services.”
“We are hoping initiatives like these can spread to other communities as we celebrate human rights. Economic participation gives dignity to many households. Ability to participate freely in the economic speaks to the celebrating 30 years of freedom.” Magubane told IOL
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