ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji outlines vision for youth, tackling unemployment and advocating for skills programs
ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji discussed his vision for South Africa's youth, emphasizing the need to address unemployment, inequality, and poverty. Speaking on The Citizen's The Movement politics podcast, Malatji proposed an economic "war room" for youth reskilling and advocated for export quotas on critical minerals to promote local processing and create jobs. He also called for skills programs linked to provincial economic activities like mining and agriculture. Malatji urged greater youth involvement in government, suggesting older leaders transition to advisory roles and that younger candidates be given leadership opportunities. He defended the ANC's post-1994 transformation efforts, citing increased access to housing and education, but acknowledged the need to address shortcomings and prioritize economic transformation. Malatji characterized migration as an economic issue driven by poverty and inequality, stating that while illegal residents must leave, the government should tackle underlying economic problems. His vision centers on a united country with a transformed economy, advocating for better use of mineral resources and education aligned with future economic demands. He also suggested making history compulsory to strengthen young people's understanding of the country, asserting that the ANC's future depends on addressing unemployment and inequality, with young people as key drivers of South Africa's economic future.