Hundreds of young people from various youth formations around the country gathered in Parliament yesterday to debate issues affecting the youth, such as education, unemployment and economic freedom.

The DA dismissed the gathering as a waste of money.

Chief whip Watty Watson said the outrageous costs involved demonstrated just how out of touch the ANC was with the challenges faced by the youth.

"The dysfunctional organisation of the event raises concerns about its legitimacy as a so-called sectoral parliamentary event," he said.

Watson said the money could have been used to secure job opportunities for 57 young people.

During the session, held in Parliament's old assembly chamber, youths from across the country voiced their concern over unemployment.

The session almost descended into chaos as speakers interrupted each other and the presiding officers battled to contain the heated debate.

"There is nothing truthful about what he is saying, he is lying," one speaker said to another, who had just commented on the issue of youth unemployment.

The chairman of the youth Parliament's steering committee, Lusizo Makhubela-Mashele, who had a tough time maintaining order, said it was to be expected that unemployment would be topical and would raise emotions.

"We are looking at the dynamic topic of unemployment and inequality. They are recognising government weaknesses.

"They all just want to speak. We want to give them an ear and don't want to suppress them," she said.

Earlier another speaker from the University of Cape Town told the packed assembly room that he felt the government was not listening and was not taking the youth seriously.

"This is really just a PR event. How is the government taking this forward. Jobs require skills and education. Economic development comes from education, where is the government?" he said.

Earlier deputy speaker Nomaindia Mfeketo said jobs and resources were available but the youth also needed to be realistic about their expectations.

"We have a generation who, when they get into a job, need a salary that can buy a Mercedes-Benz."

She said it was not only the government's responsibility to address unemployment but the youth also needed to play their part.

Comments

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Tue May 21 10:16:11 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 22, 2012

JB$

Youth parly is a waste
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Jun 22, 2012

WakeUpSouthAfrica

Youth parliament? Resorted into 'infighting' pretty quickly.

""We have a generation who, when they get into a job, need a salary that can buy a Mercedes-Benz.""

Yeah, that about sums it up.
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Jun 22, 2012

Lehido

Ai, the DA is starting to be Pathetic, this thing has been going on for years now, Why comnplain now?...Cheap politics
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Jun 22, 2012

hulas

This anc is very wastefull,you dont have to spend million to debate issues affecting young people.Young people are still out there suffering nyda is doing fuckall for them.
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Jun 22, 2012

ThirdEye

Indeed this is a PR exercise, after the recommendations by the Youth Parliament to government, what happens?
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Jun 22, 2012

ZolaB

anc members when they get a job want a free Mercedes Benz to go with the large salary.The youth still prepared to buy own Merc
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Jun 22, 2012

The-Rothschilds

The revolution is needed in government, not in the economy.
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Jun 22, 2012

manu.menne

I am DA and i think our youth can't think. Why walkout of a discussion without a resolution. Does it it ring a bell that before a house is built, the must be a plan? Architects don't come out cheap to plan a house. If we so badly want wage subsidy, we should have an ear to the needy. The youth!

My party is organising a manchester vs ajax game at a loss of more than R3million for a three hour event. But its okay.

What is R2million on an economy of R3,3trillion to discuss burning issues of the 50% unemployed (youth). That is 0,05%. That 0,05 cents of a Rand for planning. You can't buy nothing with it. Compare that to the losses of manchester game event on the tax payers monies. A link for your information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_South_Africa

For you ANC supporters. Stop screaming at sowetan publications and start reading stories that impact on your lives.

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Jun 22, 2012

mesip

Why are we surprised that the youth behaves in this manner. As South African adults, we have failed our youth dismally. Look how we behave in parliament, business, home & in public generally. Remember "monk ey see, monk ey do" / "an apple does not fall far form the tree". Ha!!!!!!
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Jun 22, 2012

ntshware-ke-yawa

what suprises me is that while ANC claim to be the be the only party in govt that listens to the people's voice,then why don't they show that now coz many people are against this-called Youth parliament yet the ANC-led govt will continue with it irrespective.mxm
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