The African Transformation Movement (ATM) and analysts cast doubt on the government's claim that the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) has created over 1.5 million jobs since its inception in 2020. The ATM demanded transparency and accountability regarding the initiative's effectiveness, calling for clear and comprehensive indicators on the actual outcomes. Analysts also questioned the quality and permanence of the jobs created.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent NewspapersThe African Transformation Movement and analysts have cast doubt on the government’s claim that the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative has created over 1.5 million jobs since its inception in 2020.
The government aims to solve this crisis, but the ATM and analysts remain unconvinced about the initiative’s effectiveness. Ntshona called for clear and comprehensive indicators regarding the actual outcomes of the initiative, including a breakdown of the beneficiaries, sectors of employment, and quantifiable impact.
“It is essential for the ANC-led administration to provide this information to foster trust and ensure that the initiatives aimed at empowering our youth are genuinely effective. Transparency is crucial for the public to understand the impact of government programs and to hold leaders accountable for their promises,” Ntshona said.
“These are what you call work opportunities, where in the township we call them piece jobs... They are part-time jobs,” Gqubule said. “There is a spectrum of the quality of the jobs. There is the Basic Education Employment Initiative which placed about 200 000 people in schools during the Covid pandemic for about three years after that…Those would work for about eight months in a year, but there are other ones who work two days a week.Political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast described the government’s report as “pure politics” ahead of the 2026 local elections.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE ECONOMIC POLICY TRANSPARENCY ACCOUNTABILITY
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