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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State is concerned that the youth of this province will yet again become the victims of another initiative aimed at increasing the ANC’s electorate and not the development of the livelihoods of our youth.

During a sitting of the Free State Legislature, held at the 4th Raadzaal in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, the MEC of Education, Tate Makgoe, made a promise to ensure the employment of or, at least, an internship for all Free State graduates.

These are the words said by the MEC: “Speaker, I want to commit (through you, Honourable Chairperson of the ANC in the Free State) that every graduate who is from the Free State will, at least, have an internship”.

These words were uttered in response to the high levels of unemployment amongst young people in the Province.

Young people are tired of empty promises. The youth of the Free State should and will not make light of the MEC’s pledge as youth unemployment has reached critical levels in the province resulting in a growing number of graduates who fall victim to the “jobless graduate” status each year.

65% of young people under the age of 25 living in the Free State are unemployed and government has done little to rectify this fissure in the economy.

Therefore, the DA believes that government must do what it must to provide the youth with an enabling economic environment and fair opportunities that will enable them to find meaningful employment and improve the quality of their lives.

Moreover, we urge the youth (all Free State graduates) to contact the office of the MEC to secure their promised escape from poverty and unemployment through the following channels:

E-mail: mec@edu.fs.gov.za

Telephone: 051 404 8430/32

Walk in: Free State Provincial Government Building, 55 Elizabeth Street, Bloemfontein

The DA remains committed to promoting an open opportunity society for all and will hold the MEC accountable to his promise, especially during these testing times.

Issued by The DA