The ANC’s ‘a better life for all’ is non-existent
THE disturbing article in Tuesday’s Daily News, “Worry over workless youth” has to raise serious concerns.
Figures released by Statistics SA on the current unemployment status of our youth paint a bleak picture of the problems we face as a country.
This situation cannot be underestimated regarding the long-term repercussions and while there is severe criticism of government in addressing this situation, much of it is justified.
It is noticeable that since 1994, the ANC slogan, “A better life for all” has become non-existent as those power mongers defy all that represents good governance in lieu of personal enrichment, corruption, cronyism and nepotism, much to the detriment of us all.
The youth represent what our tomorrow will look like and it looks rather bleak.
Our unemployment rate among the youth, especially black youth, who have borne the brunt of failed promises time and again, translates into a plethora of social problems – rampant crime, unwanted pregnancies and domestic violence to name a few.
The statistics indicate that the current crop of unemployed youth, whose expecta- tions were fuelled by a government incapable of meeting same, will continue as we battle with maintaining an economy that largely is controlled by the international world.
The scary revelation of the educational levels of those unemployed (almost 55% of young people looking for jobs are not matriculated) has to ring alarm bells.
Our educational system at present, is more concerned about “herding” pupils out of the system rather than providing quality education that effectively leads to the success of the pupil, and inevitably to the country.
The National Development Plan, while magnanimous in its intent, in my view, cannot succeed unless tangible, realisable and sustainable employment is created, not for the well-connected but for all.
This can only happen if the fundamental aspect of the success of any nation – education – is given the priority it needs, starting from grassroots.
Our government, plagued by many of its own inadequacies, starting at the head and permeating through every echelon of bureaucracy, uses instant gratification and an inordinate policy of appeasement to assure us that all is well and they are well in control. They are not. It was the initial, yet highly unrealistic, expectations that the ANC created with the majority of the black population, that have led us to this sorry state.
Admittedly, the past inequalities have to account, in part, for this untenable situation, but we have had sufficient time and resources to redirect our energies to develop society – that has not happened.
The ANC-led government has an obtuseness of understanding that the agitation of the unemployed youth is a major crisis – one only has to look at their new nemesis, the EFF.
Their support has come from this sector and any excuses to the contrary will challenge an ominously questionable status quo even further.
The idea of entitlement, especially by our black brethren has added to the dissatisfaction and serious measures have to be implemented post haste to address the issue of youth unemployment – else the “Arab Spring” could very well translate into the “winter of our discontent” – with disastrous consequences. NARENDH GANESH
Durban North