Deputy President Paul Mashatile encourages more youth to join the Entrepreneur Youth Employment Accelerator Programme

On 13^th June Deputy president Paul Mashatile addressed the media in light of the Youth Day celebrations. The deputy addressed it at the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator.

The minister started off with thanking the guest as well as the youth who were present at the conference.

Mashatile believes that this initiative is fundamental not just to South Africans, but to the youth of South Africa. Due to the country’s high employment rate most people especially the youth start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs. The minister says these entrepreneurs are opening a pathway to economic inclusion by being business owners.

Mashatile said he tries to reduce the percentage of poverty, inequality and unemployment in the country by creating a number of opportunities. He reiterated that because, of the bravery the youth of 1976 shown we are now reaping the fruits of their bravery. As youth, the fight of inequality, unemployment and dividends continues, but the deputy believes it can be fought against.

Due many teenagers and young adults being unemployed, government has created learnerships which lasts 6-12 months. According to government this reduces the percentage of unemployment, helps people develop skills and increases the country’s capital. Currently 9.2 million people are not in educational programmes or even employed.

The minister said a number of programmes are available to support entrepreneurs financially. These programmes will help build members start their businesses and create opportunities and focuses on Black owned businesses which helps on expanding businesses and generating income.

The private sector is working with government to create these opportunities as well as civil society to remove red tape. According to Mashatile young entrepreneurs require more than just hope. Government has introduced the public procurement act of 2024. This supports businesses owned by youth, women and those with disabilities, Mashatile said it is a youth investment and not a handout.

205 000 of the youth started their new journey as working men and women in the job market all thanks to then programme. Currently the programme is in its’ fifth successful phase.

In conclusion, the minister said entrepreneurship is a way of life its’ more than just a slogan, he thanked the youth for their resilience and being part of the success of the programme.

Done by: Shaneca Cupido