Snl24 | Mzansi youth: We want tenders!

Tik Tok sensation and University of Limpopo Graduate Thabo Mokiri calls on the government to create more opportunities for young people. Photo by Mankaleme Thema

POVERTY, Unemployment, and substance abuse are among the many challenges that continue to hinder our efforts to achieve our goals and realise our dreams.

These sentiments were expressed by young people who gathered in large numbers to commemorate National Youth Day, an annual event that celebrates the youth of 1976.

This year’s commemoration took place at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo. 2024 marks 48 years since the Soweto uprising, and young people feel they are still faced with challenges that make it difficult for them to commemorate the day.

“As youth, we are unable to celebrate and commemorate this day because of countless challenges we continue to face. At this age, we were supposed to have achieved our goals, but here we are with no jobs and nothing to our names. We want jobs, we want tenders, we want everything that will enable us to achieve our goals. So, we just came here today because we were invited; that’s all,” said Tik Tok sensation Thabo Mokiri.

Tshegofatso Ledwaba (26) said the government must invest in programmes that will equip graduates with the skills needed in the job market.

ALSO READ | Dudu Myeni’s life: Triumphs and controversies!

“I’m just feeling okay as youth we are educated but our education is not benefiting us, we have qualifications but we are not working. Some of us lack the skills required in the job market, so our government must put measures in place to help equip graduates with skills so that they can compete in the job market,” she said.

Another young person, Sally Sathekgi, aged 16 from Tzaneen, expressed her wish to get a bursary after completing her matric. She wants to become a soldier and have a better life.

Giving the keynote address at the ceremony, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the government remains committed to bettering the lives of young people.

“We remain committed to championing programmes and initiatives that limit the impact of unemployment among our young people. As we celebrate our achievements, we commit to addressing all challenges faced by our youth and working towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

“As the government, we will do everything in our power to mobilize all the resources at our disposal to create better opportunities for youth. We again commit to improving our actions and prioritizing your needs. We will not go down the road that will be detrimental to our nation’s future and the sacrifices made by the heroes and heroines of June 16,” he said.

For more news and entertainment in the palm of your hand, follow our WhatsApp Channel via this link