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The IFP welcomes the call by the Defence and Military Veterans Minister
Lindiwe Sisulu, during her budget debate yesterday, for a national service
to be established for South Africa's youth.

"The IFP has long advocated for the return of a national military service,
which must be compulsory, because we believe that it will instil in our
youth a sense of discipline, respect for authority and their fellow South
Africans which will be beneficial for our country and nation-building as a
whole," said Velaphi Ndlovu, the IFP spokesperson on Police today.

Ndlovu said that the IFP believes that such an initiative could also
contribute to crime reduction in South Africa.

"Youth unemployment in this country has reached unprecedented levels, which
unfortunately contributes to our high crime rate. But research has shown
that once young people are provided with education, skills training,
opportunities, a sense of purpose and hope for the future, it is less likely
that they will turn to crime, drugs and other socially offensive behaviour.
The reintroduction of a compulsory national military service programme will,
without a doubt, help us turn the tide against crime," said Ndlovu.

Ndlovu called on government to put Minister Sisulu's plan into action, as a
matter of urgency.

"Alarm bells are ringing because our young people are leaving school
unskilled, unemployable and disgruntled. It is therefore urgent that we
expedite this process and bring legislation to Parliament as soon as
possible. Let us leave no stone unturned in providing our youth with the
tools for a brighter future, through the establishment of a new compulsory
national military service," concluded Ndlovu.