Mahushu Village, Mpumalanga – Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has urged the government to take stronger action to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for young people, as the country commemorates Youth Day.
Speaking at the DA’s national June 16 commemoration event in Mahushu village, Mpumalanga, Steenhuisen emphasized the need for faster and more effective interventions to address South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis. The event was attended by Communications Minister Solly Malatsi, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development Jane Sithole, and provincial DA leaders.
Honoring the Past, Demanding a Better Future
The day began with a peaceful march in tribute to the 1976 Soweto uprising, where Steenhuisen praised the courage of the youth who fought for their rights under apartheid. However, he expressed concern that today’s youth face neglect and broken promises.
“After 30 years, young people in this area are still being left behind,” Steenhuisen said. “They need a party that is serious about growth and jobs—one that has a proven track record.”
He pointed to the Western Cape, where unemployment is 20 percentage points lower than the national average, as evidence that the right policies can create jobs. “We can move from a stagnant, job-shedding economy to one that creates opportunities—but we must act faster,” he said.
Youth Voice Their Frustrations
Hundreds of young people at the event echoed Steenhuisen’s concerns, calling on the government to prioritize their needs. Many cited a lack of education, job opportunities, and access to funding as major challenges.
“The government forgets about us. Their focus is on the elderly, but we are the future,” said one attendee. “Poverty is destroying us—we can’t afford colleges or even basic necessities.”
Another young person criticized local leadership, saying, “Even when we ask our councilor for help, nothing happens. We need fairness and real opportunities.”
Mpumalanga’s Youth Unemployment Crisis
The DA’s Mpumalanga youth leader highlighted the province’s alarming unemployment rate of 49.2% for those aged 15-34, according to Statistics South Africa’s first-quarter data.
“We need policies that don’t just give certificates but real skills for employment,” the youth leader said. “The youth economy must be returned to young people—they must have a place in every sector.”
A Call for Faster Action
Steenhuisen stressed that South Africa’s current economic growth rate is insufficient, calling for an expansion to 3-6% GDP growth to absorb job seekers.
As Youth Day celebrations continue, the message from both the DA and young South Africans is clear: promises are not enough—action is needed now.
