Do you have anything for the youth Mr Minister?

It all begins with realising and accepting that employment opportunities constitute a basic human right and that work is a source of dignity, giving individuals a sense of purpose and strengthening communities. As the routine that has become the budget speech is upon us once again, we should look out for one major issue: what is in it for our youth.

Local and global trends show that young people are in dire straits as the job market is unable to absorb them. At the same time, this trend says we are sitting on a ticking bomb. These are excitable people prone to incitement into thuggery and rebellion if nothing real and concrete is done for them.

In his latest contribution in the media, BMD vice president Ndaba Gaolathe made a point that must resonate with us all, regardless of political affiliation: "When students and young children grow up, in a system that tells them opportunity exists only when you are part of the ruling elite, as a high government or ruling party operative, then you know our system is broken...". For the youth in particular, including those in the ruling party, I differ here with Gaolathe. Many of our youth are mere cheer leaders in politics and industry. They have no significant input into the actual programmes that determine important outcomes of opportunity and development. This is something we must do differently as a country.

Editor's Comment
BDP primaries leave a lot to be desired

The BDP as a party known to have ample resources has always held its primaries well in time, but this time around that was not the case. The first leg of the primaries was held last weekend, with the final leg being billed for the coming weekend. This time around, the BDP failed to shine in its primary elections. The elections were chaotic; most if not all polling stations didn't open at the specified time of 6am. Loyal BDP members braved the...

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