The DA is marching for the Youth Wage Subsidy

The Democratic Alliance will march to Cosatu House on the 15th of May to highlight the role that Cosatu is playing in worsening unemployment for young South Africans by blocking the Youth Wage Subsidy. 

The DA's march has nothing to do with the system of Labour Brokers in South Africa, as Zwelinzima Vavi wrongly claims. Mr Vavi is trying to create a smokescreen because he and COSATU realise how despicable it is to continue blocking the Youth Wage Subsidy which will create a first-time job opportunity for 400,000 young South Africans.

50 % of economically active South Africans under the age of 30 are unemployed. This perpetuates poverty and underdevelopment, and keeps young people locked out of the economy. 

The most important policy intervention this government can make is to give these young South Africans an opportunity to get a first job - a foot on the first rung of the economic ladder. The DA has therefore promoted the Youth Wage Subsidy scheme, which in effect is a massive apprenticeship programme across all economic sectors. 

After it was mooted as a policy proposal by the DA, the Youth Wage Subsidy was announced by President Zuma in his State of the Nation address in 2009, and has been supported by the National Planning Commission. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's budget subsequently made R5-billion available to fund the first phase of the Youth Wage Subsidy - money that cannot be used because of COSATU's resistance. 

COSATU has used its position in NEDLAC to block this initiative for two years. Cosatu is thereby blocking a policy that would change the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people. It is young, unemployed South Africans who are suffering as a result. 

This is why the Democratic Alliance will be marching to Cosatu House on May 15th. It is vital that all South Africans are made aware how Cosatu, who claims to speak for the interests of the poor, is in truth undermining opportunity, killing jobs and keeping the poor destitute. What kind of an organisation stands in the way of young people gaining a chance at success in life?

The DA will work to give all South Africans the opportunity to find a job. We cannot allow Cosatu to continue to keep people unemployed. The implementation of the Youth Wage Subsidy is urgent. 

Statement issued by DA leader, Helen Zille, May 4 2012

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