The African National Congress’s (ANC's) touting of a separate ministerial department to deal solely with youth issues, including unemployment, will not solve the crisis that most of the country’s citizens face. 

This was the view of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) when the recommendation was put forward at the party's policy conference over the weekend. 

The country has an unemployment crisis, with most jobless people being young. 

But the Youth League do not support the establishment of a separate department.

Currently, youth issues are covered by the Ministry of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (in the Presidency) led by Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

ANCYL convenor Nonceba Mhlauli said a separate department would mean side-lining youth development issues in a "corner". 

She told News24 that the ANCYL had not proposed the idea.

"We said we want to mainstream youth issues, and we said it in plenary. I do not know where it comes from. We believe youth development must be mainstreamed and be the work of every department. We need to ensure that there is adequate funding for youth development. The NYDA budget is small," Mhlauli said.

Ahead of the conference, the Youth League pushed for the ANC to mandate that at least 40% of the national executive committee be made up of young people.

In terms of the ANC's rules, one is defined as "youth" until the age of 35. 

To serve in the ANC NEC, one has to have been a member of the party for 10 years. 

The Youth League's calls may require the party to alter this requirement.