Eastern Cape Youth Demand Urgent Jobs Lifeline in Budget

The Eastern Cape remains stuck in a deep jobs crisis, with unemployment still sitting above 47 percent. For young people the picture is even worse – more than half of them cannot find work.

As Finance Minister prepares to deliver the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, youth leaders in the province are raising their voices. They say this budget must finally put young people first and create real opportunities.

Zikhona Matyila from the South African Youth Council in the Eastern Cape says the time for talk is over. She wants government to fund and mentor young entrepreneurs so they can start businesses and enter the market. She also calls for proper investment in basic services.

“If water, electricity and roads are fixed, more factories can open. Then young people will get jobs,” she explains. Reliable services would help businesses grow and create the work that is desperately needed.

The latest figures show the Eastern Cape’s official unemployment rate at 47.5 percent – among the highest in the country. Youth unemployment has climbed past 50 percent. Many young people leave school or finish studies only to join the long queue of the jobless.

Residents hope the budget will bring measures that attract investment, support small businesses and fix the infrastructure that holds the province back. Without strong action, the cycle of high unemployment will continue to hold back the next generation.

Young people in the Eastern Cape are clear: they need practical steps that turn hope into pay cheques. The upcoming budget is their chance to be heard.

Source:https://x.com/SABCNews/status/2112819369852178821

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