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Youth issues urged for State of the Nation address (Tue 7 Feb 2012)

At 7pm on Thursday this week (9 February), President Jacob Zuma will present his State of the Nation address in Parliament and live on radio and television. Noting that youth development and unemployment are such key issues facing South Africa, many are wondering how he will address these concerns.

Opposition DA youth chairperson, Mbali Ntuli, has highlighted five key reforms she believes can significantly  change the lives of South Africa’s youth for the better. According to a media statement this week, Ntuli argues that, "With close to 70% of South Africa’s population under the age of 35 and youth making up some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, it is vital that the needs of young South Africans are given specific attention by the President in his State of the Nation speech.

As noted by Ntuli, the main interventions needed to address the country's most pressing youth-related issues, are:

1. Implement a Youth Wage Subsidy
2. Reform the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
3. De-politicise the National Youth Development Agency
4. Scrap the VAT on books
5. Declare teaching an essential service.

For its own part, the office of the Presidency has said this year's State of the Nation address takes place against the background of celebrating 100 years by South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress, regarded as part of the celebration of the country's rich political heritage.

Zuma's office stated, "In this context, the President is likely to focus on the critical need for our country to move decisively and systematically in the implementation of policies and programmes that so far have helped us withstand the impact of the externally generated impediments to our development agenda".

#ends