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The Democratic Alliance in North West did not approve the passing of the 2015 NW Youth Entrepreneurship Services (Yes) Bill that was tabled in the Legislature, as we believe the money will be utilized to only benefit political connected recipients.

The ANC also blatantly ignored legislation and the Constitution during the process.

The DA recognises the importance of the promotion and development of entrepreneurship among the youth in our province, but we cannot agree with a bill that will authorize Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s use taxpayer’s money to keep his supporters happy while ignoring the real plight of youth unemployment.

The unemployment rate for the first quarter of the year in the province is more than 28% – a 4.2% increase compared to the last quarter of 2015.

This leaves us with the biggest increase out of all provinces in South Africa.

The Premier admitted in April that the Yes Project was already managed, staffed and financed and a director was already appointed.

The processes were ignored and the tabling of the bill was only a smoke screen to authorise the irregular conduct of the Premier. Legislative processes are governed by the Constitution, but the ANC again showed a disregard for authority and bulldozed the bill through.

While we were still debating the matter in the Legislature, Yes was already signing agreements with the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) tuck shop programme at the Mmabatho Convention Centre for funding to resume trading in their different areas.

The DA will not give a stamp of approval for the illegal conduct of the Premier to benefit his cronies and create jobs for a connected few at the expense of our young people, disguised as an imperative and targeted action to intensify intentional efforts to enhance the interests, skills and abilities of young people.

Where the DA governs we create jobs for all and not only political connected cadres. We believe that the youth of North West is robbed from opportunities to be self-sufficient, to develop their entrepreneurial skills and granting them a fair chance to participate in the free market system. We believe in Fairness, Freedom and Opportunities for all.

Issued by DA North West