Latest news with #DAGauteng
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Health challenges facing youth demand urgent action
Free condom distribution remains inconsistent across the province, leaving young people at risk of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The health challenges facing our youth require immediate attention, especially regarding resources for sexual health and accessibility to medical care, including mental health support. Free condom distribution remains inconsistent across the province, leaving young people at risk of HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). This gap undermines efforts to promote safe sex among youth. Moreover, access to medication and surgical care is severely constrained. Chronic conditions like diabetes require consistent medication, yet public facilities frequently face shortages. Surgical backlogs in Gauteng's hospitals delay critical procedures, prolonging suffering. This shortage leaves many young people facing mental health issues without sufficient support, which increases the risks of substance abuse and, ultimately, suicide. The Gauteng Department of Health must ensure that condoms are distributed effectively across the province, particularly in underserved areas. This initiative should be backed by a thorough sex education campaign. Additionally, to tackle challenges like medication shortages, surgical delays, and the mental health crisis, the department needs to ensure increased funding, recruit more healthcare professionals, and expand health facilities. Madeleine Hicklin MPL, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Health
The Star
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
From legacy to action: improving the lives of today's youth in Gauteng
As we commemorate Youth Month, we remember and honour the youth of 1976 who courageously fought for freedom, democracy, and quality education, changing the course of our country's history. We remember the sacrifices and lives lost when they confronted an oppressive system that limited their potential. However, their sacrifices and struggles will be in vain if the living conditions of today's youth are not improved. The brave students who marched in Soweto envisioned a South Africa where young people would have access to quality education, meaningful employment, and the opportunity to contribute to building a prosperous nation. Today, as we reflect on their legacy, we are faced with the harsh reality of a youth in crisis that demands immediate and decisive action. Statistics South Africa's latest data on unemployment rates in our country is alarming and represents a ticking time bomb. The results for the first quarter of 2025 show that youth unemployment increased from 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025, which is significantly higher than the country's official unemployment rate of 32.9%. This escalating crisis becomes even more concerning when we examine the category of young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET)', which stands at a rate of 45.1%. This means that nearly half of our youth are not acquiring the skills necessary to participate and contribute positively towards our country's economy. In Gauteng, specifically, over 2.5 million youth fall into this category. For the first quarter of 2025, Gauteng recorded an unemployment rate of 34.4% with an expanded unemployment rate of 40%. These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent millions of young lives trapped in cycles of poverty, despair, and hopelessness. These are youth who wake up each morning without purpose, opportunity and hope for a better future. The much-publicised Nasi Ispani programme has not yielded the long-term employment solutions that our youth desperately need. The collapse of several Nasi Ispani programmes in 2024 left thousands jobless and further emphasised the programme's failure to deliver a lasting impact. The shocking truth about Panyaza Lesufi's project is that only 2 322 permanent positions came out of the 55 003 jobs that were said to be created, translating into a measly 4% success rate in creating sustainable employment. DA Gauteng has consistently stated that quick fixes and temporary employment schemes cannot address the structural challenges that prevent young people from accessing meaningful and long-term job opportunities. The province's continued battle with corruption, crime, infrastructure failures, and basic service delivery issues is scaring off potential investors and exacerbating the joblessness crisis. Industrial parks throughout Gauteng, which were intended to drive economic growth and job creation, are another indicator of the provincial government's lack of innovation, poor planning, and execution. Despite the Gauteng Provincial Government spending R134.9 million on upgrades between 2015 and 2018, these parks are characterised by deteriorating infrastructure and minimal economic activity. This represents a colossal waste of public resources and a missed opportunity. Instead of being hubs for skills development, small business growth, and entrepreneurship, these parks have become dens of crime and substance abuse reflecting the social and economic decay that now defines Gauteng. The education system which was supposed to liberate our youth and serve as a beacon of hope has instead become another barrier to their success. Despite repeated promises to address overcrowding in schools and eradicate dangerous asbestos structures, Gauteng learners continue to be subjected to learning environments that deprive them of opportunities to flourish and develop their potential. Many schools across the province lack the basic resources necessary for quality education and positive outcomes. Gauteng ranks among the top three provinces with the highest teacher vacancy rates, with 4,099 unfilled positions. Furthermore, the curriculum often fails to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the modern economy. For those fortunate enough to access higher education, this does not necessarily translate into employment opportunities. The consequences of these systemic failures extend far beyond statistics. According to research by Wits Professor Frikkie Booysen, approximately 51% of youth from poorer households in Gauteng express dissatisfaction with their lives, while 39% report feeling alienated from society. This widespread disillusionment represents a generation that has lost faith in the system and their ability to create positive change in their circumstances. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds attending under-resourced schools without access to sporting facilities like swimming pools, netball courts, and soccer fields have virtually no chance of developing into acclaimed athletes. Sports and cultural activities serve as positive outlets, which are particularly crucial to keep young people away from negative influences such as gang-related activities and crime, substance abuse, and risky sexual behaviours that expose them to the risk of HIV infection and unwanted pregnancies. The Gauteng Sports Department's decision to surrender R11.7 million that could have been used to construct multipurpose sports courts and improve existing facilities demonstrates a total disregard for the important role that sports and cultural activities play in youth empowerment and development. DA Gauteng has repeatedly raised concerns about the critical shortage and mismanagement of rehabilitation centres designed to combat substance abuse among our youth. While millions are spent on one-day events and photo opportunities, the DA revealed in March 2025 that the Gauteng Department of Social Development wasted over R34 million on preliminary planning for the Tembisa Rehabilitation Facility without beginning construction, leaving many young people trapped in the cycle of addiction without access to proper care. Our townships and central business districts suffer from neglect while municipalities teeter on the brink of collapse. Poor governance, lack of accountability from elected public representatives, rampant financial mismanagement, escalating crime rates, and catastrophic unemployment levels create an environment where young people become either victims or perpetrators of violent crime. Recent crime statistics show that Gauteng is one of the highest contributors to murder, rape and sexual assault, and other major crimes in the country. A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government will commit to prioritising the youth as the future leaders of our country. The youth represent the key to unlocking economic prosperity in Gauteng, and their potential must not be wasted through continued governmental incompetence and misplaced priorities. The youth of 1976 fought for a better future. Today's youth deserve our unwavering commitment to creating opportunities, improving education, investing in skills development, and building an enabling economic environment so that they can change their living conditions and those of the country. Solly Msimanga MPL, DA Gauteng Leader of the Official Opposition
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
From legacy to action: improving the lives of today's youth in Gauteng
As we commemorate Youth Month, we remember and honour the youth of 1976 who courageously fought for freedom, democracy, and quality education, changing the course of our country's history. We remember the sacrifices and lives lost when they confronted an oppressive system that limited their potential. However, their sacrifices and struggles will be in vain if the living conditions of today's youth are not improved. The brave students who marched in Soweto envisioned a South Africa where young people would have access to quality education, meaningful employment, and the opportunity to contribute to building a prosperous nation. Today, as we reflect on their legacy, we are faced with the harsh reality of a youth in crisis that demands immediate and decisive action. Statistics South Africa's latest data on unemployment rates in our country is alarming and represents a ticking time bomb. The results for the first quarter of 2025 show that youth unemployment increased from 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025, which is significantly higher than the country's official unemployment rate of 32.9%. This escalating crisis becomes even more concerning when we examine the category of young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET)', which stands at a rate of 45.1%. This means that nearly half of our youth are not acquiring the skills necessary to participate and contribute positively towards our country's economy. In Gauteng, specifically, over 2.5 million youth fall into this category. For the first quarter of 2025, Gauteng recorded an unemployment rate of 34.4% with an expanded unemployment rate of 40%. These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent millions of young lives trapped in cycles of poverty, despair, and hopelessness. These are youth who wake up each morning without purpose, opportunity and hope for a better future. The much-publicised Nasi Ispani programme has not yielded the long-term employment solutions that our youth desperately need. The collapse of several Nasi Ispani programmes in 2024 left thousands jobless and further emphasised the programme's failure to deliver a lasting impact. The shocking truth about Panyaza Lesufi's project is that only 2 322 permanent positions came out of the 55 003 jobs that were said to be created, translating into a measly 4% success rate in creating sustainable employment. DA Gauteng has consistently stated that quick fixes and temporary employment schemes cannot address the structural challenges that prevent young people from accessing meaningful and long-term job opportunities. The province's continued battle with corruption, crime, infrastructure failures, and basic service delivery issues is scaring off potential investors and exacerbating the joblessness crisis. Industrial parks throughout Gauteng, which were intended to drive economic growth and job creation, are another indicator of the provincial government's lack of innovation, poor planning, and execution. Despite the Gauteng Provincial Government spending R134.9 million on upgrades between 2015 and 2018, these parks are characterised by deteriorating infrastructure and minimal economic activity. This represents a colossal waste of public resources and a missed opportunity. Instead of being hubs for skills development, small business growth, and entrepreneurship, these parks have become dens of crime and substance abuse reflecting the social and economic decay that now defines Gauteng. The education system which was supposed to liberate our youth and serve as a beacon of hope has instead become another barrier to their success. Despite repeated promises to address overcrowding in schools and eradicate dangerous asbestos structures, Gauteng learners continue to be subjected to learning environments that deprive them of opportunities to flourish and develop their potential. Many schools across the province lack the basic resources necessary for quality education and positive outcomes. Gauteng ranks among the top three provinces with the highest teacher vacancy rates, with 4,099 unfilled positions. Furthermore, the curriculum often fails to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the modern economy. For those fortunate enough to access higher education, this does not necessarily translate into employment opportunities. The consequences of these systemic failures extend far beyond statistics. According to research by Wits Professor Frikkie Booysen, approximately 51% of youth from poorer households in Gauteng express dissatisfaction with their lives, while 39% report feeling alienated from society. This widespread disillusionment represents a generation that has lost faith in the system and their ability to create positive change in their circumstances. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds attending under-resourced schools without access to sporting facilities like swimming pools, netball courts, and soccer fields have virtually no chance of developing into acclaimed athletes. Sports and cultural activities serve as positive outlets, which are particularly crucial to keep young people away from negative influences such as gang-related activities and crime, substance abuse, and risky sexual behaviours that expose them to the risk of HIV infection and unwanted pregnancies. The Gauteng Sports Department's decision to surrender R11.7 million that could have been used to construct multipurpose sports courts and improve existing facilities demonstrates a total disregard for the important role that sports and cultural activities play in youth empowerment and development. DA Gauteng has repeatedly raised concerns about the critical shortage and mismanagement of rehabilitation centres designed to combat substance abuse among our youth. While millions are spent on one-day events and photo opportunities, the DA revealed in March 2025 that the Gauteng Department of Social Development wasted over R34 million on preliminary planning for the Tembisa Rehabilitation Facility without beginning construction, leaving many young people trapped in the cycle of addiction without access to proper care. Our townships and central business districts suffer from neglect while municipalities teeter on the brink of collapse. Poor governance, lack of accountability from elected public representatives, rampant financial mismanagement, escalating crime rates, and catastrophic unemployment levels create an environment where young people become either victims or perpetrators of violent crime. Recent crime statistics show that Gauteng is one of the highest contributors to murder, rape and sexual assault, and other major crimes in the country. A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government will commit to prioritising the youth as the future leaders of our country. The youth represent the key to unlocking economic prosperity in Gauteng, and their potential must not be wasted through continued governmental incompetence and misplaced priorities. The youth of 1976 fought for a better future. Today's youth deserve our unwavering commitment to creating opportunities, improving education, investing in skills development, and building an enabling economic environment so that they can change their living conditions and those of the country. Solly Msimanga MPL, DA Gauteng Leader of the Official Opposition
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
E-toll debt bites into traffic light repair budget
The DA has raised serious concerns about an imminent budget shortfall that will see Gauteng's provincial traffic light maintenance grind to a halt before the end of July. This looming crisis threatens the safety and mobility of millions of road users across the province, including key urban areas such as Pretoria. 'This will affect the whole of the province,' warned Evert du Plessis, DA Gauteng spokesperson for Roads and Transport. 'There are traffic lights that belong to and are maintained by the province in every metro and municipality. Pretoria will definitely be affected as well.' The budget shortfall was revealed during a recent Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) Transport, Roads, and Logistics Committee meeting. Committee members were told that the allocated funds will be exhausted before the end of July, just three months into the financial year. In Pretoria, provincial roads, designated by the letter 'R', crisscross the city and act as vital connectors between suburbs and national routes. These include major corridors like the R55 and connecting streets, where intersections often depend on traffic signals to regulate the complex flow of daily commuters. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that provincial roads often intersect with national (Sanral) and municipal roads, creating shared responsibilities between all three spheres of government. 'We don't have a specific list for dysfunctional traffic lights on Tshwane's provincial roads as it changes on a daily basis,' explained Du Plessis. 'There are, however, a substantial number of provincial and national roads that cross metro boundaries. So all three tiers of government must take responsibility for their own infrastructure.' However, without a functional maintenance budget, Gauteng's provincial authorities will soon no longer be able to service their share of these intersections. Du Plessis said this shortfall is more than just an administrative hiccup. 'Non-functioning traffic lights pose a real threat to public safety, placing motorists and pedestrians at risk of collisions, violent crime at intersections, and delays that disrupt the daily routines of workers, parents, and emergency services. 'For the remaining nine months of the year, motorists could be stuck in gridlock, relying on pointsmen instead of functioning systems to reach their destinations,' he said. The DA has linked the budget collapse to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's decision to commit provincial funds to paying off e-toll debt, an obligation the province was never legally bound to. Lesufi said on March 18 that the Gauteng government will absorb the e-toll debt and will continue to service it. He also confirmed that the provincial government has gone to the Development Bank of Southern Africa for a loan to be able to service the shortfall on e-tolls. The total e-toll debt that the provincial government has to pay back is more than R20-billion. This includes R12.9-billion for the historical debt, R4-billion for interest, and R4-billion for maintenance. The government has agreed to repay this debt in five equal annual instalments, with the first payment of R3.8-billion being made on September 30, 2024. 'This is another example of service delivery money being squashed by an irrational political commitment,' said Du Plessis. The party has called on Gauteng MEC for Roads, Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Thabela, and the head of the department, Thulani Mdadane, to urgently redirect funding and prevent a province-wide gridlock. 'New technology and the assistance of law enforcement would also go a long way to address this ever-escalating problem,' he added. The DA pledged to continue pressing the issue in the GPL, demanding answers and accountability from the ANC-led provincial government. 'A DA-led Gauteng government would not allow residents to be placed in such dangerous or frustrating situations,' he said. 'We will prioritise funding for traffic lights as a matter of extreme urgency to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users in Gauteng.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
Teacher shortage deprives Gauteng pupils of these vital tech skills
Numerous schools lack access to computers, electricity, or internet connectivity in classrooms, making it impossible to implement the curriculum. Gauteng pupils are missing out on critical technology education due to a significant shortage of teachers for subjects such as Coding and Robotics, Information Technology (IT), and Computer Applications Technology (CAT). This crisis was revealed in a written response by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane to questions posed in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. More than 370 tech teacher vacancies According to the legislature, seen by The Citizen, the province currently faces a shortfall of 300 teachers for Coding and Robotics, 36 for IT, and 35 for CAT. DA Gauteng spokesperson for education, Michael Waters, said that these subjects are essential to equipping students for the demands of the digital economy. 'This is unacceptable as learners are being left out in preparation for future workplaces that are increasingly reliant on new technology,' added Waters. However, the lack of qualified teachers and resources threatens to derail Gauteng's efforts to build a future-ready workforce. ALSO READ: From classroom to boardroom: How SA companies are future-proofing talent pipelines through Inqubeko Policy implementation gaps Waters claimed that the teacher shortage means Gauteng is failing to comply with the national education policy, which stipulates that coding should be introduced from Grade R. 'If Premier Lesufi is serious about growing the technology workforce in Gauteng, his government must start investing in infrastructure gaps and teacher shortages,' Waters added. He warned that with nearly half of all current teachers expected to retire within the next decade, urgent action is needed to avoid further disruptions to critical learning areas. ALSO READ: Education experts hail DF Malan ruling as victory for school autonomy Infrastructure challenges Beyond teacher shortages, many Gauteng schools lack the infrastructure to support IT education. Numerous schools do not have access to computers, electricity, or internet connectivity in classrooms, making it impossible to implement the curriculum effectively. 'The digital economy continues to accelerate at an ever-increasing speed while Gauteng learners are left behind,' said Waters. Waters said a DA-led Gauteng government would prioritise investment in school infrastructure and teacher recruitment to ensure every student has access to IT-related subjects. 'We will also prioritise the speedy roll-out of the Gauteng Broad Band Network to ensure all schools are connected to the internet,' he said. NOW READ: KZN Education slams student violence at Lakehaven Secondary School
