'We will not be silent': RISE Mzansi marks youth day with bold call to action for SA's youth
RISE Mzansi commemorates Youth Day at the Hector Pieterson Memorial, vowing to continue the fight for dignity, safety, and opportunity for young people.
Image: File
RISE Mzansi has vowed to continue fighting for the issues that affect South Africa's youth, drawing a direct line between the struggles of 1976 and today's challenges.
Speaking at the Hector Pieterson Memorial during a wreath-laying ceremony on June 16, RISE Mzansi National Leader Songezo Zibi MP delivered a scathing indictment of the country's failure to protect and empower young people nearly five decades after the Soweto uprising.
'Today, we stand here, 49 years since Hector Pieterson, Tsietsi Mashinini, and scores more bled and lost their lives for the liberation of this country and its young people. Their fight is far from complete, and the scars of that era still remain,' said Zibi.
He said that while legislation like the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act exists, the current school environment remains hostile and dangerous.
'In the last year, there were 42 cases of rape; 96 cases of attempted murder; 1,214 cases of assault GBH; and 376 cases of rape at places of learning,' he stated.
Zibi said RISE Mzansi had formally asked the Minister of Basic Education to deliver an Executive Statement in Parliament on June 24 to account for efforts being made to improve school safety and quality.
'The case of little Cwecwe is not an isolated one,' he added, referencing recent tragic incidents involving children.
Beyond education, Zibi tackled youth unemployment head-on, condemning the government for presiding over a crisis where 'the youth unemployment rate is close to 50%, or just over 62% if you include young people who have given up on looking for work.'
'These young people are you; the ones gathered here today in the name of Hector Pieterson; they are our family members,' he said, adding that the current R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant should be transformed into a R35-billion investment in youth economic development.
'Let us fund the future, rather than plastering over our current problems.'
He also raised concerns about a 'silent crisis' ravaging communities: gambling addiction.
'You look left, you look right, you see gambling advertising on TV, during sports matches, on social media, and even at Home Affairs,' said Zibi, warning that the addiction among young people aged 25 to 35 is spiraling.
RISE Mzansi also highlighted the growing food insecurity affecting over 20 million South Africans, particularly children.
'Twenty-three percent of children suffer from severe hunger, which results in developmental problems such as stunting,' the party said, emphasizing the role of MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa in addressing the issue through food empowerment initiatives.
Turning to the upcoming National Dialogue, RISE Mzansi expressed concern about the reported R700-million budget.
'The touted R700-million price-tag appears to be excessive,' Zibi said, saying the party would use its parliamentary oversight to ensure financial accountability.
The party insists that the dialogue must 'address issues of justice in all its forms' and not 'escape the issue of ethical leadership across society, political, business, civil society, and academia.'
'RISE Mzansi will continue to fight for the South Africa we all deserve, and this cannot be done without working with and listening to young people,' Zibi said.
IOL News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Shivambu not going to parliament
Here's your daily news update for Saturday, 21 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. News today includes the MK party releasing its list of new members to be sworn in at Parliament, with Floyd Shivambu's name not being on it. Then, a Mozambican man wanted in connection with multiple kidnappings was killed in a shootout with police. Meanwhile, two SANDF soldiers were stabbed to death during an altercation with one of their colleagues. Weather tomorrow: 22 June 2025 The South African Weather Service (Saws) said cool and cold conditions will continue on Sunday, but warned of an 'intense' cold front that will hit the Western Cape and Northern Cape on Wednesday. Get the full weather forecast here. Top 10 stories Floyd Shivambu not on list of MK party members going to parliament The MK party on Saturday released its list of new members to be sworn in at Parliament, and Floyd Shivambu is not among them. Former MK party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu briefs the media at Mhulu Luxury Boutique Hotel on 19 June 2025 in Midrand. Picture: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi Shivambu was recently axed as the party's secretary-general after he visited fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. His name is not on the list despite earlier claims by the party that he would be redeployed to Parliament. CONTINUE READING: Floyd Shivambu not on list of MK party members going to parliament Wanted Mozambican kidnapper killed during raid in Johannesburg Police have shot and killed a Mozambican man wanted in connection with multiple kidnappings. Picture: Saps Mauro Mucambe Junior had an outstanding warrant of arrest issued by Maputo police back in August 2024. The police's anti-kidnapping unit were tracing a kidnapped Pakistani businessman when they encountered the wanted 40-year-old at a residential complex in Fourways earlier this week. CONTINUE READING: Wanted Mozambican kidnapper killed during raid in Johannesburg Two SANDF soldiers stabbed to death at Mpumalanga base Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers were stabbed to death in the early hours of Saturday morning by one of their colleagues. Two SANDF soldiers died after they were stabbed at the Macadamia military base in Mpumalanga early on Saturday morning. Picture: Gallo Images The incident occurred at the Macadamia military base near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga. SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala said the soldiers were stabbed during an altercation with another SANDF member. CONTINUE READING: Two SANDF soldiers stabbed to death during altercation at Mpumalanga base Tributes pour in for sports broadcaster Phumlani Msibi Beloved sports broadcaster Phumlani Msibi has passed away at the age of 57. Phumlani Msibi conducting a post-match interview. Picture: Picture: Gallo Images Tributes poured in from across the sporting industry and beyond following the announcement of the sad news on Friday night. From sports personalities to politicians, the dedications to Msibi illustrated the man's special place in the hearts of South Africans. CONTINUE READING: Tributes pour in for sports broadcaster Phumlani Msibi Five suspects shot dead in gun battles with KZN police Five suspects were shot and killed in two separate gun battles with police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Picture: iStock The shootings occurred in Inanda on Friday, 20 June 2025. The first incident occurred along the Etafuleni main road, while the second took place at cottages on Dr Langalibalele Road. CONTINUE READING: Five suspects shot dead in gun battles with KZN police Five more stories of the day: Yesterday's news recap READ HERE: R27k found in WSU deputy VC's car | MEC blames school for stabbing | KZN prepares for R6.5bn lawsuit
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Floyd Shivambu not on list of MK party members going to parliament
After Shivambu was removed as secretary-general, the MK party claimed he was being redeployed to Parliament. Former MK party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu briefs the media at Mhulu Luxury Boutique Hotel on 19 June 2025 in Midrand. Picture: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi The MK party on Saturday released its list of new members to be sworn in at Parliament, and Floyd Shivambu is not among them. Shivambu was recently axed as the party's secretary-general after he visited fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. Floyd Shivambu will not be sworn in as MP His name is not on the list despite earlier claims by the party that he would be redeployed to Parliament. JUST IN: The #MK Party has released its list for new MPs to be sworn in. Former SG of the party Floyd Shivambu is not on the list, despite the party having previously said Shivambu will be heading to parliament. Khanyisile Litchfield will be heading to Parliament for MK #eNCA — Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) June 21, 2025 The nine names on the list are: Lungisani Shangase, Jefrey Mtolo, Zibuse Cele, Siphetho Mkhize, Philisande Mkhize, Kaiser Motaung, Noma Buthelezi, Ntandoyenkosi Shezi and Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala. The new MK party MPs are set to be sworn in on Wednesday. They will be filling vacant seats. ALSO READ: MK party accuses 'political outcast' Jabulani Khumalo of making false claims Shivambu 'will not quit MK party' Despite being sidelined, Shivambu this week said he will not quit the party. He, however, revealed that he is consulting with traditional and religious leaders about starting a new political formation. He also claimed that his removal was due to 'fake intelligence' that he was plotting to unseat Jacob Zuma as leader of the MK party. Shivambu also claimed there are 'political scoundrels' who siphon funds from the MK party. He said R7 million is being withdrawn from the party coffers every month. Seemingly taking a shot at Zuma and his children, the former EFF leader also said a political party should never be a 'family project'. 'A political party should never be an individual project… It must never be a family project. A political party should not be a tribal or ethnic project.' NOW READ: Does South Africa need a political party led by Floyd Shivambu?
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
Julius Malema: EFF will not stand by as R700 million is looted under the guise of a National Dialogue
By Julius Malema The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) categorically rejects the grotesque and wasteful plan by the so-called National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team to spend R700 million on what they are calling a 'National Dialogue' because we know that it has no bearing on the lives of ordinary South Africans. In a country ravaged by poverty, joblessness, and a collapsing public infrastructure that continues to fall prey to climate change, it is not only irresponsible but deeply immoral to even contemplate such an exorbitant budget for a talk shop for elites. The timing of this announcement is also indicative of an uncaring government that is out of touch with the majority of the citizens of this country. The proposed dialogue with an inordinate price tag is said to involve only two national conventions and an unspecified number of public engagements. The entire project reeks of cronyism and self-enrichment that is deceptively packaged in the language of nation-building in an attempt to fool the public. But the EFF recognises this for the farce that it is. Dialogues do not cost R700 million. What we are currently witnessing is the return of the very same gravy train that stripped this country and its people of its dignity and robbed deserving South Africans of an opportunity to progress out of poverty. The difference is that now it is dressed up in what is being sold as a democratic consultation. Not on our watch! This absurd plan is being tabled at a time when our country is buckling under the weight of an unforgiving cost-of-living crisis. We have just emerged from a battle with Treasury over its callous and illegal attempt to increase VAT by a staggering 2% when the national budget was initially presented. It was a move that would have hit the poor and working class the hardest but failed because the EFF fought for the people and justice prevailed. However, on the horizon looms a fuel levy increase, which will undoubtedly lead to an increase in the price of food, transport, and essential goods. This again will hit the poor and marginalised people of this country the hardest solely because we are led by a government that has made it its mission to cushion the elite whilst exploiting the poor. Yet in these trying times the same government wants to allocate almost a billion rands for a dialogue. A dialogue with no defined outcomes, no constitutional mandate, and no meaningful connection to the urgent crises our people face. This is the epitome of tone-deaf. It is a slap in the face to millions of South Africans who go to bed hungry, study in dilapidated schools, queue at under-resourced clinics, and live in constant fear of crime in communities where police are severely understaffed. The government of Ramaphosa and his GNU can fund a dialogue but cannot implement solutions that will improve the lives of our people. The EFF supports genuine efforts at public engagement and democratic consultation, but we vehemently reject with contempt the idea that close to a billion is required in order for a dialogue to be classified as credible and meaningful. The government is clearly not serious about public involvement because if it were, it would invest that money into capacitating local clinics and building schools, so our kids are given quality decolonised education at all levels irrespective of their backgrounds. A caring government would focus on rebuilding our ailing infrastructure and resuscitating closed factories and industries as suggested by the EFF because that would lead to a working economy that can absorb young people who are currently jobless. Only an ANC government that is aloof with its DA partners can think democracy can be reduced to conferences in Sandton that will entail inflated invoices and no consequences. The EFF does not share those sentiments because we know that our people face more pressing needs. Our people need jobs, and they need them now. Our people need quality healthcare and safety in their communities. Our people need bold action and a country that prioritises the redistribution of wealth and land without compensation. They need action on load shedding and infrastructure collapse, not panel discussions on theoretical unity. This R700 million dialogue proposal is nothing but a vanity project of this failing government. It is looting of public funds. It is a national parade of misaligned government programs. Inflating prices for a dialogue whilst failing to employ doctors or pay educators. It is further enrichment for the elite and their networks who will benefit through tenders and consultancy fees. The near billion-rand price tag is an insult to struggling South Africans and our unemployed youth. The EFF demands full public disclosure of the dialogue budget, line by line. We will not allow this to happen behind closed doors while our people starve. Furthermore, the EFF is exploring legal options to challenge this wasteful expenditure and to prevent it from proceeding. We are also calling on civil society, labour unions, and all patriotic South Africans to reject this abuse of public funds. The EFF will continue to fight for economic justice, for an end to wasteful expenditure, and for a government that places the interests of the poor and marginalised at the centre of its agenda. This country does not need a dialogue as we all already know what our problems are. We need implementation. We need jobs, land, housing, education, healthcare, and safety. We need a government that works for the people, not one that hosts conferences to congratulate itself while the country burns. Julius Malema is the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
