Cape Town – The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) says President Cyril Ramaphosa will not be allowed to address young people during the upcoming June 16 commemorations in Gauteng unless unemployed attendees are given an opportunity to submit their CVs as part of a youth employment initiative.
Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, ANCYL president Collen Malatji said the move forms part of the organisation’s broader campaign to tackle South Africa’s worsening youth unemployment crisis.
According to Statistics South Africa, the country’s unemployment rate rose to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.4% in the previous quarter. Youth unemployment has climbed to 45.8%, underscoring what the league described as a deepening socio-economic crisis affecting young people.
The number of unemployed South Africans now stands at 8,1 million. StatsSA reports the unemployment rate climbed in the first quarter of 2026 to 32.7% from 31.4% in the fourth quarter last year. Youth unemployment has also increased further to 45.8%. University of Johannesburg… pic.twitter.com/26q69Dxcnf
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 13, 2026
Malatji said youth unemployment remains the “greatest crisis confronting this generation”, arguing that millions of young South Africans are excluded from economic participation despite holding qualifications. He linked the crisis to rising levels of poverty, inequality, crime and substance abuse in communities across the country.
The ANCYL said it wants the June 16 commemorations, marking 50 years since the 1976 student uprising, to move beyond symbolism and deliver practical outcomes for young people.
As part of its proposal, the league said young attendees will be encouraged to submit CVs under a programme aimed at linking unemployed youth with opportunities. Malatji said the President would only be allowed to address the gathering once CV submissions have been received from unemployed participants.
“The President of the country will not be allowed to address before he receives all the CVs from all the unemployed youth,” Malatji said.
The Youth League also called for stronger government and private sector intervention, including measurable youth employment targets, expanded internship programmes, and greater access to workplace training and graduate opportunities.
It further urged increased support for youth entrepreneurship through funding, mentorship and procurement opportunities, and called for institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to be strengthened to better support young people.
On broader economic concerns, the ANCYL said South Africa’s industrial and procurement policies should prioritise local manufacturing, township economies and youth-owned businesses.
The league also raised concerns about illegal immigration, arguing that it contributes to pressure on jobs and public resources. Malatji said some employers were allegedly exploiting undocumented foreign nationals, undermining labour standards and worsening unemployment among young South Africans.
The ANCYL has called on the Minister of Employment and Labour to intensify workplace inspections during Youth Month, particularly in sectors such as retail, construction, hospitality and manufacturing, to ensure compliance with labour laws.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
