Rules hinder youth

OBVIOUSLY there are many ways in which we as the older generation in South Africa need to ensure that our youth are becoming equipped to rule.

Unfortunately, many of our rules, regulations and laws stand in the way of our youth being able to better themselves. Particularly in the labour relations arena, we find that there are many barriers and obstacles.

If a young person who does not have many qualifications or experience wants a job, they have to compete with the older generation who have both.

In particular, young black school leavers are at an extreme disadvantage.

Employers are forced to pay certain minimum wages and to follow certain rules and regulations before they can offer someone a job. This means that the employer would want someone to come and work who could immediately start being productive from day one.

Employers are reluctant to take a chance on an untested and untrained person, so they are in a position where they cannot make way for an energetic and eager employee.

When I was at high school I was able to approach a restaurant and to offer my services merely for training and tips. Within a few days I was able to accumulate handsome tips and indeed qualified in the second month for a salary. Today, that same restaurant owner would have to face me becoming a permanent employee after three months and would have to pay me a full salary from day one. That restaurant owner probably would not give me that opportunity. Is this not unfair to the youth of today? Michael Bagraim DA labour spokesperson