“2022 should be declared the year of the graduate and the unemployed cadre,” says Makaneta

Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, has called on the government to declare 2022 the year of the ‘graduate and the unemployed cadre’.

“The year 2022 should be declared the year of the graduate and the unemployed cadre. We must ensure that we seriously address structural unemployment of our graduates generally and cadres in particular.

“It can’t be correct that we continue to produce graduates who will sit at home and become an additional burden on the shoulders of their parents who are themselves already struggling,” Makaneta said.

He further stated that the president should set the tone for the year ahead by emphasizing that every sector of the mainstream economy must absorb as many graduates as possible.

“If they do not have work experience, give them work experience. If they do not have the skills for the job, teach them the skills for the job.” Makaneta added.

Makaneta warned that the high unemployment rate in South Africa was a ticking time bomb to explode if not addressed.

The time for summits and seminars is over. Now is the time to address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“We owe it to the younger generation to reduce unemployment drastically,” Makaneta highlighted

Skills development levy paid by private sector should empower unemployed people with necessary skills to survive for a life time.