In a bold move to confront the escalating crisis of youth unemployment in the province, the Gauteng ANC Youth League (ANCYL) took to the streets yesterday, marching to the Office of the Premier to hand over a memorandum demanding urgent government intervention.
Led by Gauteng ANCYL Chairperson Ntsako and supported by the National President of the ANC Youth League, Collen, hundreds of young people gathered in solidarity under the banner Asi Spani — a rallying cry meaning We are working — to express their frustration at what they describe as a lack of opportunities and meaningful support for young people in the province.
The march culminated at the Office of the Premier, where the memorandum was officially received by Acting Premier and MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko. The memorandum outlines key demands, including the creation of sustainable jobs, increased skills development programmes, and stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure the promises made to the youth are fulfilled.
Addressing the crowd, Ntsako emphasised that the Youth League would not rest until concrete steps are taken to address what he called “the ticking time bomb of youth unemployment.” He warned that if the provincial government fails to respond within the stipulated timeframe, the Youth League would intensify its mobilisation efforts.
“We are here to remind our leaders that young people cannot wait any longer,” said Ntsako. “We demand a clear, actionable plan to tackle unemployment, and we expect nothing less than a response within 14 days.”
Faith Mazibuko, who received the memorandum on behalf of the provincial government, acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised and committed to forwarding the demands to the relevant departments. She assured the Youth League that a formal response would be provided within the agreed period.
South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains among the highest in the world, with recent statistics indicating that more than 60% of young people aged 15–24 are unemployed. The Gauteng ANC Youth League says this crisis requires urgent, innovative solutions — and they are determined to hold leaders accountable until they see real change.
As the deadline for a response approaches, all eyes will be on the Office of the Premier to see whether the provincial government will meet the Youth League’s demands — or face further action from the province’s young activists who say they have waited long enough.
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