Key Takeaways:
- ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has instructed national chairperson Gwede Mantashe to explain his controversial remarks about youth unemployment.
- Mantashe’s comments sparked backlash, with many accusing him of being out of touch with the reality of unemployment in South Africa.
- The ANC youth league has threatened to demonstrate at the January 8 rally if Mantashe’s remarks are not clarified or withdrawn.
- Mbalula has defended the youth league’s president, Collen Malatji, saying he has the right to express the views of the youth freely.
- The issue highlights the ongoing debate about unemployment and the role of the government in addressing it.
Introduction to the Controversy
The African National Congress (ANC) has found itself embroiled in a controversy over comments made by its national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, about youth unemployment. Mantashe’s remarks, which suggested that young people are unemployed because they are lazy and do not submit their CVs to search for employment, have sparked widespread outrage and criticism. The comments have been seen as tone-deaf and out of touch with the reality of unemployment in South Africa, where many young people struggle to find work despite their best efforts.
Mbalula’s Response
In response to the backlash, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has read the riot act to Mantashe, instructing him to explain his comments or face being sanctioned by the organisation. Mbalula addressed youth league members at a Peter Mokaba memorial lecture in North West, where he said that Mantashe must clarify his remarks or issue a statement to reprimand him. Mbalula emphasized that the matter is serious and cannot be taken lightly, and that Mantashe’s views cannot be seen as representative of the ANC.
The Youth League’s Reaction
The ANC youth league has been vocal in its criticism of Mantashe’s comments, with its president, Collen Malatji, clapping back at the national chairperson. Malatji accused Mantashe of being detached from reality and said that the youth cannot be told to find jobs by someone who has never written or submitted a CV in their life. The youth league has threatened to mobilize young people to demonstrate at the January 8 rally if Mantashe’s remarks are not clarified or withdrawn. Malatji has also emphasized that the youth league wants the ANC to speak to the resolutions of the party, rather than expressing personal views.
Mbalula’s Defense of the Youth League
Mbalula has defended Malatji and the youth league, saying that they have the right to express their views freely. Mbalula described Malatji as a "militant youth president" who is reflecting the views of young people who are yearning for leadership. He emphasized that the youth league is a necessary irritation in the ANC and that it should not be expected to behave like old people. Mbalula’s comments suggest that he is sympathetic to the youth league’s frustrations and is willing to give them space to express their views.
The Broader Context
The controversy over Mantashe’s comments highlights the ongoing debate about unemployment and the role of the government in addressing it. South Africa has one of the highest rates of youth unemployment in the world, with many young people struggling to find work despite their best efforts. The government has come under pressure to do more to address the issue, with many calling for more effective policies and programs to support young people. The ANC’s response to the controversy will be closely watched, as it seeks to balance the need to address the concerns of its youth league with the need to maintain unity and cohesion within the party.
Conclusion
The controversy over Mantashe’s comments has highlighted the challenges facing the ANC as it seeks to address the issue of youth unemployment. The party must navigate the complex and often competing demands of its various constituencies, while also seeking to develop effective policies and programs to support young people. The outcome of the controversy will have significant implications for the ANC and its relationships with its youth league and other stakeholders. As the party prepares for its January 8 rally, it will be important for it to find a way to address the concerns of its youth league and to develop a clear and effective strategy for addressing the issue of youth unemployment.