Latest news with #EminentPersonsGroup
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
From Cradle to Unemployment Line: A generation condemned to poverty
Graduate unemployment also remains a concern. Uasa has called for practical solutions to address South Africa's youth unemployment crisis, urging the government to include young voices in high-level decision-making. Image: Phill Magakoe AFP AS South Africa commemorates Youth Month under the theme 'Skills for the changing world – empowering youth for meaningful economic participation', two pressing issues demand urgent attention: the exclusion of young people from critical policy discussions and the systemic neglect of early childhood development (ECD), which experts warn perpetuates cycles of poverty and unemployment. Trade union Uasa has called for practical solutions to address South Africa's youth unemployment crisis, urging the government to include young voices in high-level decision-making. Uasa spokesperson Abigail Moyo welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa's initiative to convene a national dialogue through an Eminent Persons Group, but cautioned that excluding unemployed youth risks rendering discussions 'out of touch with reality'. 'While the Eminent Persons Group comprises notable leaders who have made significant contributions to society and the economy, where are the young people who face the daily challenges of unemployment and inequality?' Moyo asked pointedly. 'We want to see young unemployed youth contributing to these dialogues, sharing their innovative ideas to help shape our future, the same way the youth of 1976 fought the apartheid system.' With youth unemployment exceeding 45%, Moyo stressed that the current generation must be given the same opportunities as the 1976 youth to drive change. 'We acknowledge the contributions made by the youth of 1976 in ending apartheid and shaping democracy. This is why we need the current generation on such platforms; it is time for them to lead and be part of the solutions for the next generation.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ She called for a dedicated forum where graduates, job seekers, and young entrepreneurs can engage directly with policymakers. 'While experience and wisdom are important, proactive solutions come from those living the daily realities of unemployment. Young people must be involved in policymaking where their perspectives are heard at the highest level.' Moyo also urged broader societal collaboration, saying: 'It is everyone's responsibility to shape an inclusive future with sufficient support.' As Youth Day approaches, Uasa extended solidarity to young South Africans, with Moyo affirming: 'Their voices matter, and their energy must be harnessed to build a better future.' While youth unemployment dominates headlines, experts cautioned that South Africa was failing its youngest citizens long before they enter the job market. Deb Zelezniak, chief executive of the Santa Shoebox Project, highlighted that more than 1.3 million children lacked access to early childhood development (ECD) programmes — a critical missed opportunity to break the poverty cycle. Though the government has allocated R10 billion to ECD — increasing daily subsidies from R17 to R24 per child and expanding access to 700 000 more children — Zelezniak argued this remains insufficient. 'The current R24 per child per day cannot cover the full cost of a quality ECD programme, estimated at at least R36,' she said. 'This won't meet the Department of Basic Education's goal of universal ECD access by 2030.'
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Jobless youth call for practical solutions in National Dialogue
Youth unemployment crisis in South Africa: A call to action. Image: Ron Lach/Pexels In a landscape where high unemployment and socio-economic disparities continue to plague South Africa, the voice of the youth is becoming increasingly pivotal. Abigail Moyo, spokesperson for the trade union UASA, has outlined the urgent need for practical and effective solutions that address the concerns of jobless young South Africans amid President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent address regarding the National Dialogue. The National Dialogue is lauded as a significant step towards generating constructive solutions to some of the country's most pressing issues. However, Moyo cautions that the dialogue may be 'somewhat out of touch with reality', as many South Africans, particularly the youth, are still grappling with the adverse effects of unemployment and inequality. Moyo expressed hope that the Eminent Persons Group, a team of distinguished leaders tasked with guiding the National Dialogue, will focus on the persistent challenges of unemployment and socio-economic difficulties. 'We hope they will help the government develop viable solutions to overcome this national crisis,' she said, highlighting the importance of addressing the grievances of the nation's youth. While acknowledging the expertise and achievements of the Eminent Persons Group, Moyo raised a key concern: the absence of young people in crucial discussions that shape their futures. 'Where are the young people who face the daily challenges of unemployment and inequality? We want to see them contributing to these dialogues and sharing their innovative ideas,' she urged, citing historical parallels with the youth who courageously fought against apartheid in 1976. This call to action is not merely a plea for inclusion; it is an urgent appeal for young voices to be integral in shaping policies that affect their lives. Just as the youth of 1976 played a critical role in reshaping South Africa's future, today's young generation is positioned to lead and contribute towards creating robust solutions for the generations that follow. Moyo advocates for the establishment of a dedicated forum that enables graduates and job seekers to engage in meaningful dialogue surrounding the real-life challenges they face. 'While experience, knowledge, and wisdom are important,' she remarked, 'some proactive solutions come from those who live by the realities and challenges of daily life.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The trade union spokesperson emphasised that inclusive policymaking should be the order of the day. Young people should be actively involved in decision-making processes, allowing their perspectives to drive meaningful change. 'Practical and effective solutions can only be reached when youth are part of these important conversations,' Moyo asserted. To that end, she encouraged broader society—including stakeholders, leaders, and government—to join forces in the quest for a prosperous future. 'It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that things work inclusively, with sufficient support to achieve these goals, thus shaping a better future for our country,' she concluded. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Presidency clarifies role of foundations in the National Dialogue preparations
The Presidency has noted various media reports on the National Dialogue that are based on incorrect or incomplete information. In this regard, the Presidency wishes to clarify the following: The National Dialogue is to be an inclusive process in which all South Africans will have an opportunity to participate as individuals or through organised formations. The first National Convention to enable an all-inclusive process will be convened on 15 August 2025 to set the agenda for the National Dialogue. This will be followed by discussions across the country, in various sectors and on issues that citizens feel deserve national attention. These will then be grouped into agenda themes for national engagement. A second National Convention will be held in the beginning of 2026 where these discussions will be consolidated into a common national vision and implementation programme. The Eminent Persons Group has been appointed to champion the National Dialogue and to provide guidance to ensure that the process is inclusive and credible. It is comprised of respected individuals who have played and continue to play an important role in various areas of our national life. The Eminent Persons Group will not be responsible for the day-to-day running of activities. Preparations for the National Convention and other activities are currently being undertaken by a National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team made up of representatives from various foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency. The National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team has been working for close to a year on developing the form and approach to the National Dialogue. This team will remain seized with the practical arrangements for the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee has been established. Media reports that certain foundations belonging to the stalwarts of the liberation struggle have been sidelined or overlooked are inaccurate. These foundations, together with other civil society formations that were part of the initial work, remain centrally involved in the Preparatory Task Team. Over the next few weeks, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team will undertake a series of information sessions and consultations with a range of stakeholders in preparation for the first National Convention on 15 August 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
The fallout from Trump's Afrikaner project on Ramaphosa's National Dialogue agenda
President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended BEE as an engine of growth. Image: GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa's upcoming national dialogue aims to tackle critical issues facing the country, including the divisions sparked by US President Donald Trump's controversial offer of resettlement to white Afrikaners, alongside pressing concerns regarding unemployment and poor governance. On Wednesday, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of an 'eminent persons group,' comprising 31 South Africans, who will spearhead the National Dialogue scheduled for August 15. One of the eminent persons, who requested anonymity, said the dialogue can be seen as a response to concerns, aiming to address the country's challenges and promote national building. 'The issue should definitely come up, although everybody has a choice to leave the country. "We are way beyond the colour lines now and should focus on nation building with the people who are in the country, instead of dwelling in the past. 'Sure, it's a bone of contention but we do have bigger problems," she said. However, not all are on board with Ramaphosa's dialogue initiative. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has rejected the dialogue as an "elitist farce," saying it is a "staged theatre for the political elite". In a statement its spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, asked why there were no ordinary South Africans, such as shack dwellers, represented? 'The so-called Eminent Persons Group, handpicked by the very same ruling class responsible for mass unemployment, deepening poverty, collapsing infrastructure and the ongoing betrayal of the Freedom Charter, is a mockery of the suffering endured daily by millions of destitute and despondent South African,' Ndhlela wrote. The EFF has also expressed skepticism, questioning the government's motives and the selection process for the Eminent Persons Group. "The challenges Ramaphosa's National Dialogue seek to address are not a product of triumph of human sacrifice against evil, which require collective national reconstruction, but are a product of man-made destruction and corruption of which he and the party he leads have been at the centre of," the EFF said in a statement. The DA's national spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, welcomed the National Dialogue saying his party would embrace the opportunity. 'I think it's high time that we as a nation get together and discuss collectively what we see as a road forward for this country,' he said. Build One South Africa (BOSA) described the announcement as a positive and necessary step forward for the country at a time of great political uncertainty, public anxiety, and economic malaise. The GOOD Party's general secretary Brett Herron said it was long overdue as the wait had been frustrating.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa's National Dialogue to discuss divisions caused by Trump's Afrikaner resettlement project
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the National Dialogue will be held in August. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers President Cyril Ramaphosa's national dialogue to address the pressing issues in the country will address the divisions created by US President Donald Trump's offer of resettlement to white Afrikaners as well as issues on unemployment and poor governance. On Tuesday, Ramaphosa announced the appointment of an 'eminent persons group' made up of 31 prominent South Africans who will lead the National Dialogue, set to take place on 15 August 2025. The dialogue will also recent comments made by US President Donald Trump, who invited white Afrikaners to relocate to the US based on false claims of white genocide - an issue that has become a divisive factor in the country. One of the eminent persons, who requested anonymity, said the dialogue can be seen as a response to these concerns, aiming to address the country's challenges and promote national building. 'The issue should definitely come up, although everybody has a choice to leave the country…We are way beyond the colour lines now and should focus on nation building with the people who are in the country, instead of dwelling in the past. 'Sure, it's a bone of contention but we do have bigger problems," she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading However, not all are on board with Ramaphosa's dialogue initiative. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has rejected the dialogue as an "elitist farce," saying it is a "staged theatre for the political elite". In a statement on Wednesday, its spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela asked why there were no ordinary South Africans, such as shack dwellers, represented? 'We reject this dialogue as a tone-deaf charade engineered by a regime clinging to power, desperately trying to manufacture consent through elitist backroom dealings. 'The so-called Eminent Persons Group, handpicked by the very same ruling class responsible for mass unemployment, deepening poverty, collapsing infrastructure and the ongoing betrayal of the Freedom Charter, is a mockery of the suffering endured daily by millions of destitute and despondent South African,' Ndhlela wrote. The EFF has also expressed skepticism, questioning the government's motives and the selection process for the Eminent Persons Group. "The challenges Ramaphosa's National Dialogue seek to address are not a product of triumph of human sacrifice against evil, which require collective national reconstruction, but are a product of man-made destruction and corruption of which he and the party he leads have been at the centre of," the EFF said in a statement. The DA's national spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, welcomed the National Dialogue saying his party would embrace the opportunity. 'I think it's high time that we as a nation get together and discuss collectively what we see as a road forward for this country,' he said. Build One South Africa (BOSA) described the announcement as a positive and necessary step forward for the country at a time of great political uncertainty, public anxiety, and economic malaise. The GOOD Party's general secretary Brett Herron said it was long overdue as the wait had been frustrating. 'Nearly a year has passed since political parties signed the Statement of Intent of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which explicitly committed to convening a National Dialogue to tackle the country's deep and urgent delay in giving effect to this promise has been frustrating, but the time for talking has finally arrived, and it must now be time for action too,' Herron said.
