×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

A remedy we all need

IN a South Africa ravaged by violence, corruption and growing unemployment, Lindiwe Sisulu's latest offering to Parliament sounds cathartic.

IN a South Africa ravaged by violence, corruption and growing unemployment, Lindiwe Sisulu's latest offering to Parliament sounds cathartic.

The Defence and Military Veterans Minister yesterday formally asked Parliament to introduce National Service "to gradually absorb youth into our training facilities".

Sisulu's plan is unlike the conscription by the apartheid regime which forced youth to undergo military training and engage in battle.

It is also voluntary.

We cannot agree more with the minister when she says: "The biggest problem we have in this country is the discipline we have in our youth."

This is but just one malady her vision could cure.

Millions in Sisulu's targeted age bracket have no resources to further their studies after passing Grade 12.

Countless others, like statistics proved again this week, no longer know where to turn to find employment.

Some of these young men and women are sucked into the criminal world because of frustration and a confidence diminished by lack of employment.

They are a perfect fit for the cliché: "Idle minds are fertile minds for the devil."

And that Sisulu last month found new military recruits "forging racial harmony with white and Indian children, singing in Zulu" is the clincher.

Government must shout "yeah, yeah" to such a bold innovation in these trying times.

Let all departments endeavour to invest in similar projects, then South Africa can only be on the high road.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.