The ANC Youth League in the Free State has called on the provincial government to declare the high unemployment rate a disaster, as frustrated young people demand urgent action to address the crisis.
On Monday, the league marched to the OR Tambo offices of Premier Mxolisi Dukwana to submit a memorandum demanding the creation of 50,000 jobs in the current financial year. The protest highlighted the growing desperation among graduates and young job seekers who face systemic exclusion from employment opportunities.
Youth Demand Action
Speaking during the march the Chairperson of the ANC Youth League in the Free State, accused the government of failing young people.
“The youth are excluded in this province. The reality is that the provincial government, led by Comrade Premier, can do much better,” he said. “The budget allocated to departments must ensure that young people are employed. We have graduates sitting at home, subjected to brutality because they can’t find work.”
When questioned on the feasibility of creating 50,000 jobs, he insisted that collaboration between the public and private sectors could make it possible.
Frustrated Graduates Speak Out
One unemployed graduate, who joined the protest, expressed frustration over alleged nepotism and lack of opportunities.
“We are being denied jobs while government officials employ their family members. I’ve applied multiple times—no feedback, no response,” she said. “We come from disadvantaged backgrounds. How are we supposed to survive?”
Another youth leader highlighted the need for industrial revival, particularly in mining towns like Matjhabeng, where closed industries have worsened unemployment.
Government Urged to Prioritize Youth Employment
The ANC Youth League emphasized that the Transformation Fund, a national government initiative aimed at economic redress, must be utilized effectively in the Free State to benefit young people.
“We need to reindustrialize and ensure young people are at the forefront of economic opportunities,” said a league representative. “If the majority of our population is young, why are they excluded from jobs?”
Next Steps
The Free State government has yet to respond publicly to the memorandum. However, the ANC Youth League has vowed to keep pressure on the premier until tangible job creation plans are implemented.
With the Free State consistently ranking among provinces with the highest unemployment rates, the youth league’s protest underscores a growing crisis that could escalate if left unaddressed.
