Programme Director;
MECs in our midst;
Mayors and Councillors;
Our Traditional Leaders;
Our Religious Leaders;
Civil Society Organisations;
Senior Government Officials;
Leadership of the NYDA;
The Community of Umtubatuba;
The youth of Umtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal, and our Country;
INTRODUCTION
It is an honour to address the youth of KwaZulu-Natal from this historic community of Mtubatuba.
In 2022, our province and our country mark the 46th anniversary of 16 June 1976 under the theme: “Promoting sustainable livelihoods and resilience of young people for a better tomorrow”
It is a theme that the late ANC President, Oliver Tambo, would have immediately identified with. It was Tambo who maintained that: “The children of any nation are its future. A country, a movement, a person that does not value its youth and its children does not deserve its future”.
Speaking at Georgetown University in 1987, Tambo saw the youth of South Africa as critical in the creation of a new South Africa. He said: “We seek to create a united Democratic and non-racial society.
We have a vision of South Africa in which black and white shall live and work together as equals in conditions of peace and prosperity.”
Tambo was part of the young people of our country who formed the Congress Youth League in 1944 which sought to use its Programme of Action to bring down the tyranny of colonialism and apartheid. In the aftermath of the Sharpeville massacre and the banning of the liberation movement, there was a lull and a void in the political climate of South Africa.
There is no doubt that the quiet was later filled by the black consciousness movement in the late sixties and seventies which was led by our young and revolutionary leaders like Steve Bantu Biko, Abram
Ongkopotse Tiro, Dr Mamphele Ramphele and many more.
The events of June 16 in 1976 became a major turning point in the history of South Africa. While it showed the bravery and courage of young people who confronted head-on the oppressive apartheid regime, it also brought to the fore the brutality of the apartheid regime. The whole world could not look away seeing black children mercilessly mowed down by the apartheid police and army.
On this day, we salute those who paid the ultimate prize. They include Hector Petersen and Hastings Ndlovu, the school boy who was murdered by the police before photographer Sam Nzima captured the dying Hector Petersen carried by Mbuyiswa Makhubu.
This is a day that gave us youth leaders and heroes like Tsietsi Mashinini, Sibongile Mkhabela, Seth Mazibuko, Khotso Seatlholo and Murphy Morobe.
In the aftermath of June 16, many young people swelled the ranks of the liberation movement in exile. Many more were arrested and sent to Robben Island. Others would be caught, tortured, and hanged.
Solomon Mahlangu is one of them.
The militancy of the youth of 1976 was embraced by the youth in the eighties who responded to Tambo’s call of rendering South Africa ungovernable on 8 January 1985. Many more young people were killed in our townships during the state of emergency and others like the young Andrew Sibusiso Zondo, an MK combatant, was executed for fighting for the liberation of our country.
The illustrious and heroic history of the youth of South Africa in the liberation of our country is not only inspiring, but it is unmatched. We recall it today on youth day as an important reminder that our freedom did not come cheap or free, that our freedom is drenched in the blood and pain of young martyrs. We can only pay forward their sacrifices by ensuring that freedom is not a dream deferred for today’s youth, that it is able to find justice and fulfil their potential.
If we examine the role of the youth in the different epochs from the forties till 1994 in shaping our history and content of our freedom, the words of the Black Panther leader, Huey Newton, comes to bear.
It was the fearless Newton who surmised that: “The revolution has always been in the hands of the young. The young always inherit the revolution.”
Walter Sisulu says something similar in a foreword paying tribute to Anton Muziwakhe Lembede, the first President of the ANC Youth League. He is emphatic that the message of Lembede is clear: “that it is the youth who have the capacity to renew the struggle, which today continues in a new form. It is the critical gaze of the youth who play the time honoured role of re-examining the status quo, sometimes to the discomfort of the 'old guard.' ”
As we meet today, we hope to draw from the collective wisdom of the youth of KwaZulu-Natal about how we can renew the promise of freedom and democracy.
As we salute how the youth continues to be resilient in the face of deepening poverty, inequality, and unemployment, we wish to also reassure young people that the ANC-led government deeply cares about their wellbeing and their dreams.
Our message to you is simple: Your country loves you. Your country needs you. Play your part in renewing the struggle, in advancing the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) so that indeed we can ultimately say that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.
Side by side with you, we will build the KwaZulu-Natal of your dreams where you can reach the pinnacle of your potential.
Since 1994, we have worked with the youth of this country to attain our democratic breakthrough which has given us a chance to restore the dignity of our people and transform their lives.
Over the years, we have produced many more leaders and household names not just in politics, but also in business, science, education, engineering, ICT innovation, industry, medicine, social services, the creative sectors, media, and sports.
Some of them include:
Lalela Mswane –the reigning Miss South Africa who hails from KwaSokhulu, in Richards Bay.
Durban born South African Cricket Players: Andile Phehlukwayo, 26, and Lungi Ngidi, also 26.
In 2014, Dr Sandile Kubheka, 28, from eMadadeni, became the youngest Doctor in South Africa when he graduated from The Nelson Mandela School of Medicine. He was only 20 years old.
Major Mandisa Nomcebo Mfeka (30) from Ntuzuma township in Durban is South Africa's first female fighter pilot whose love for planes was inspired at the age of five while she watched planes outside Virginia Airport.
We also count the award-winning, Kwa-Mashu-born actress and humanitarian, Nomzamo Mbatha, who is producing a series on King Shak ka Senzangakhona.
We claim as ours too, the 32 years old multi-award winning maskandi artist, Khuzani Mpungose who hails from Nkandla.
THE KZN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
To attend holistically to youth development and empowerment, KwaZulu-Natal adopted the Integrated Youth Development Strategy. It is informed and aligned to the National Youth Policy 2020-2030.
The Strategy comprehensively focuses on youth development including the health of the youth. It targets youth groups like: Unemployed Youth, Young Women, Youth with Disabilities, School-aged-out of school youth, Youth in Rural Areas, Youth at Risk, Youth heading households, Youth in conflict with the law, and Youth characterised by substance abuse.
The strategy covers these focal areas:
Quality Education, Skills and Second Chances;
Economic Transformation, Entrepreneurship and Job Creation;
Physical and Mental Health Promotion including other pandemics;
Social Cohesion and Nation-building;
Effective and Responsive Youth Development Machinery.
A NOTE ON THE THEME & SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THE YOUTH FACE
Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2022 theme acknowledges the hardships that the youth of our country and province continue to face.
One of the biggest challenges that the youth faces is a lack of employment opportunities or economic empowerment avenues.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) acknowledges that youth unemployment is a global challenge. While COVID-19 has exacerbated global youth unemployment, the ILO posits that: “Even in the best of times, young people faced a tough situation in the labour market. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic they were around three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. The crisis now threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities within and between countries.”
The ILO further states that while COVID-19 crisis severely affected labour markets around the world, it actually hurt young people more than other age groups. Across the world, youth employment fell by 8.7 per cent in 2020 compared with 3.7 per cent for adults.
KwaZulu-Natal has also faced at least two more unprecedented crises which have slowed down our economic recovery plans. These are the ugly, deadly and devastating July 2021 riots that engulfed our province and parts of Gauteng. As if that was not enough, we faced devastating floods in April and May this year.
In both instances, not only was the provincial economy put at risk but lives of young innocent young people were lost. This June 16, we remember them and recommit ourselves to work even harder in building sustainable peace. We also vow to work with our youth to create a safer KwaZulu-Natal from the impact of climate change by reducing the carbon footprint, deploying greener energy technologies and making our province more climate-resilient.
We vow to live no stone unturned in transforming the apartheid social planning and finding land that is safer and suitable for human settlements. We call on all the youth of our province on this youth day to play their part in protecting the environment and making it safer for future generations.
Unlike the Tambo and Lembede generation in the forties, unlike the Tsietsi Mashinini and Solomon Mahlangu generation in the seventies, and unlike the Peter Mokaba and Portia Ndwandwe generation in the eighties, today’s youth also have to own and win the struggle of protecting the environment and mitigating the impact of climate change.
Today we call for the leadership of the youth of KwaZulu-Natal in fighting ignorance around pandemics and life-saving medication. We look up to you to lead in campaigns to protect our people against diseases like COVID-19, HIV, TB, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Please stick to one partner if you are dating. Protect yourselves from STDs by using a condom consistently. Condoms are also a safe way to prevent unplanned pregnancies. We must stand up and reject the elderly men who take advantage of young girls, impregnating some who are young as 10 years old.
Our country has made important strides in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Once again, we encourage you to test, get counselling, and if you are HIV positive to take life-saving ARVs. Please remember, HIV infection is no longer a death sentence. Today people live longer because of the antiretroviral therapy that our government provides free of charge. Our ARV programme is the largest in the world because we want to see our people, especially young people, live healthy and productive lives. Please play your part in fighting the stigma associated with HIV.
Research indicates that COVID 19 has resulted in many people suffering mental distress and even depression. We urge young people to get counselling and help. Your generation must hold hands and fight the scourge of high suicide rates among the youth. All over the world, men are showing to be more vulnerable to suicide. Mental illness and depression remain largely misunderstood and stigmatised. We urge all of you to pay attention to your mental health. Reach out to your friends and family members. And remember that there is professional help.
On June 16 we ask you to be resilient in all respects. Stick to a nutritious diet avoid junk food, and exercise regularly to prevent lifestyle diseases.
SA GDP RISES
The ANC-led government is working hard to stimulate economic growth and to ensure that there is economic redistribution. Although we are not out of the woods yet, there are signs of improvements.
KwaZulu-Natal remains the second largest economy after the Gauteng. We welcome the news from Stats SA that South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 1,9% in the first quarter of 2022, representing a second consecutive quarter of upward growth. The size of the economy is now at pre-pandemic levels, with real GDP slightly higher than what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DECLINES
Stats SA’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that the unemployment rate in our country dropped by 0.8% from 35.3% to 34.5% for the first quarter of 2022. The number of unemployed persons decreased by 60 000 to 7.9 million in the 1st quarter of 2022 compared to the previous quarter.
Stats SA shows that unemployment was 63,9% for those aged 15-24 and 42,1% for those aged 25-34 years. The latest figures indicate that out of the over 10 million young people aged 15-24 years, only 2,5 million were in the labour force, either employed or unemployed. The expanded unemployment rate increased in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo (up by 4,0 percentage points each), followed by Eastern
Cape (up by 3,0 percentage points), Northern Cape (up by 2,2 percentage points) and North West (up by 2,0 percentage points).
Concerning, is the increase in the number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET). We urge you the young people of KwaZulu-Natal to make use of all the support that our government is providing to skill and educate themselves.
Education is an apex priority of the ANC-led government because we understand that education is an important instrument in achieving equality. Be a lifelong learner and embrace technology in your learning. The youth who persevere and get education and skills always stand a better chance of earning a decent living than young people who drop out of the education system. Our government provides education from the foundation phase till tertiary for the children of the poor.
SUPPORTING EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
As you would know, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was increased more than five times in the past seven years. It was R5.9 billion in 2014, and increased to R34,7 billion in 2020. In 2021/2022, NSFAS funding was budgeted at more than R43 billion.
Despite financial constraints and budgetary cuts, the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal has a budget of more R26 million which supports no less than 172 students across tertiary institutions in South Africa.
We are pleased that the number of learners that passed with NSC gateway subjects in 2021 increased, achieving 54,2% in Maths and 71% in Physical Science.
KwaZulu-Natal prides itself to be the only province that initiated a dedicated programme to train students in the aviation industry.
All our provincial departments are also actively involved in providing much needed internships and work experience to bridge the classroom and the world of work. We call on the private sector to provide experiential learning and internships for our youth. We also implore them to offer business opportunities to the youth of the province and to provide business incubation so that we can grow the provincial economy faster and more equitably.
Yesterday in Nquthu, at the Meet Mekaar Resorts, we hosted no less than 140 young people who are beneficiaries of the various forms of support by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. We heard moving testimonies and during our tour of the entire province, we saw for ourselves how our programmes are transforming the lives of our youth and their communities. We salute all the youth of KwaZulu-Natal who are making use of the opportunities provided to them and contributing positively to the development of our province and our people.
SUPPORTING JOB CREATION
Compatriots, in partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) and NYDA, the OTP is rolling out the Job Preparedness workshops in the province for unemployed graduates covering all districts.
As announced last year, KwaZulu-Natal through the OTP has finally developed the unemployed graduates. No less than 6000 unemployed graduates that seek employment and reskilling are in the database. This database is currently utilised for available opportunities.
The OTP and EDTEA have coordinated a Youth Motorcycle Enterprise Development Programme in eThekwini Metro and trained a total of 122 youth.
The Siyakha Incubation Programme by Department of Human Settlement trained 50 youth owned companies.
Career guidance and business Expo was held in eDumbe Municipality with 1300 youth participation.
OTP in partnership with the ETDP-SETA is implementing the IT Technical Support Skills Programme. 200 Youth from uMgungundlovu & uMkhanyakude Districts are being trained by DUT on this programme and they receive stipends and gadgets including data. This program will assist youth to start their businesses.
The Sukuma 100 000 which is part of the Premier’s pronouncement the 2021 State of the Province Address recorded an amount of 94 314 (56 744 females and 75 PWD) youth placed in jobs and skills development opportunities, with DOE being the biggest contributor and employing 62 969 Teacher and General School Assistants.
No less than 5031 youth participated in phase 2 of Vukayibambe Routine Road Maintenance programme
The Procurement spent for Quarter 1,2,and 3 by KZN DOT for Youth entities was more than R525- million (which is 39%) for all youth entities in a total number of 424 opportunities. The spent on the young women entities was more than R196-milliom (which is 14%) for Q 1,2, and 3.
EDTEA has enrolled 117 youth on the Agriculture incubation, Film Commission and Technology, while COGTA placed 500 interns in Municipalities.
It was pleasing to see no less than 150 youth from KZN participated in Intra-Africa Trade Fare (IATF) 2021 held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC, in Durban in November 2021. A number of them managed to secure deals and also participated in the Hackathorn and Pitching program.
The Department of Human Settlements has through procurement panels spent a total amount of nearly R118-million for youth-owned companies in the Human Settlement Development Grant (HSDG).
The Department of Public Works has spent a total amount of R 44 200 669,41 for youth owned companies through infrastructure projects.
Youth Fund beneficiaries continue to secure businesses with the private sector. Adnote IT is expanding beyond the borders of the Republic.
DARD has enrolled 352 unemployed graduates under the Unemployed Agriculture Graduates Programme.
KEY ANNONCEMENTS ON JOB CREATION IN THE SONA 2022
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please allow me to highlight some of the announcements that we made in the State of the Province Address to massify job creation.
We reported in the State of the Province Address in February that the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has packaged various mass employment programmes including:
Youth in Agriculture - engaging youth in key programmes such as high value horticulture, harvesting, dip tank management, livestock rangers and the multi-planting season;
Environmental Rehabilitation - managing and cleaning our ocean shores/beaches, rivers and dam management, recycling, tree planting and waste to energy initiatives. We have already created around 11 225 employment opportunities, and we will ramp up this programme to employ more than 20 000 youths;
Youth in Policing - in our endeavour to fight crime in the province, we intend working with the security industry to involve our young people in protecting our cities and strategic areas;
Youth Ranger programme – we intend training our youth to use drones at our regional airports such Mkhuze, Ulundi, Ladysmith and Newcastle as a way of monitoring our parks and to help fight poaching of our endangered wildlife;
Youth in Construction - We are fast-tracking the implementation of various provincial road maintenance and upgrade programmes which will create about 45 000 job opportunities. We have identified the empowerment opportunities for our people through localization, particularly in sub-contracting, building material supply and labour;
Unemployed Graduate Programme - The Moses Kotane Institute (MKI) will employ 1500 graduates to assist with primary data collection for various research projects. We are also working with various municipalities to provide funding for unemployed graduates in the tourism sector. This year government will fund employment of 200 graduates across all our municipalities to train as tourism guides.
We are working with the Provincial Treasury and the National Government to ensure that we invest a minimum of R200 million to support the identified youth employment initiatives.
These interventions demonstrate that we are putting young people at the centre of our national recovery.
PRESIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT STIMULUS
Our Province is also benefitting from the Presidential Employment Stimulus announced by His Excellency President Ramaphosa at the height of COVID-19.
In Phase One, R12.6 billion was spent and the programme delivered 551 882 job opportunities out of a target of 694 120. The beneficiaries were youth at 84% and women at 58%. Phase 2 is ongoing with a budget of R11 billion.
SUPPORTING YOUTH ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION
KwaZulu-Natal was the first province to announce a dedicated fund for youth enterprise development in the country. The fund seeks to end the economic exclusion and marginalisation of black youth in the mainstream economy. It is a demonstration of KwaZulu-Natal’s seriousness about changing the patterns of ownership and management of the economy through radical economic transformation. We are unambiguous that the KwaZulu-Natal economy needs to be deracialised and it must reflect the demographics of our province, the majority of whom are black and young Africans.
Through the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund and Operation Vula, we are providing the necessary funding to support black enterprise development and to ignite an entrepreneurial revolution which holds the promise to create the millions of jobs that we need. We are also finalising the Township and Rural economy strategy to ensure that our townships and villages become engines of economic growth and job creation.
We disbursed R69 million towards the Youth Empowerment Fund during the first round. Currently, the Province is finalising allocations of the second round at R50 million. The third round which will be R100 million will be advertised before the end of the financial year.
Given the importance of the Youth Empowerment Fund, please let me briefly explain it again to show where we are for the benefit of all the youth of our province.
In 2020 during the State of the Province address, we committed that hat the youth fund will continue to assist youth businesses.
Due to Covid19 lockdown restrictions in 2020, the youth fund could not be disbursed, and the funds were rolled over to 21/22 financial year.
The advert / call for the second rollout for application for youth fund was released on the 1st July 2021 for 30 days.
It was advertised in the local newspapers (Ilanga, Isolezwe, Mercury, Witness), provincial radio stations and KZN Government social media platform pages.
Applications were distributed to all districts, local municipalities and at the EDTEA District offices in the province. Applications were also available online.
Applications were collected in all districts from the 31st to 1st August 2021.
The total of 4123 applications were received.
OTP prepared an MOA with the Growth Fund in line with the previous Memorandum of Understanding.
A deviation was sourced from Provincial Treasury to utilize KGFT as a single source Fund Manager.
Funds were transferred to KGFT by OTP and EDTEA to the value of R50 million, R20million and a R3 million for management fee respectively.
The desktop screening of applications has been finalized.
The Investment team has started conducting due diligence site visits in terms of the implementation plan and has already visited Ugu, Harry Gwala and Ilembe Districts.
It is envisaged that the process will be completed by the end of July 2022 as per the implementation plan.
The Investment team is focusing on this work daily.
CONCLUSION
We wish to assure the youth of KwaZulu-Natal that we have their best interests at heart.
We dare not fail them, and we will not fail them.
Believe is, there is a lot of working currently going on to improve the performance of the economy and to create opportunities for them and with them.
Please remember, we see you as a resource, not a burden.
We value your attitude and spirit where you have clearly told us that you are not a sorrow case, that you have agency. You have said you want a hand-up, not handouts.
In every step of the way, we commit to involve you in finding solutions to your challenges – we have heard again the call where you say. “nothing about us without us”.
We ask you to remain disciplined and to be patriotic like the youth of 1976. It is in your hands to change the trajectory of this country. As we find long term, lasting and sustainable solutions, let us in the meantime avoid risky behaviour like alcohol and drug abuse.
Please stay away from crime and violence. We expect you to be model citizens who will not abuse women and children. Be responsible citizens who will not burn down your country when you protest.
Let me conclude with the words of Madiba where he said: “Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”
Together Growing KwaZulu-Natal!
I thank you!