RISE Mzansi has vowed to continue fighting for the issues that affect South Africa’s youth, drawing a direct line between the struggles of 1976 and today’s challenges.
Speaking at the Hector Pieterson Memorial during a wreath-laying ceremony on June 16, RISE Mzansi National Leader Songezo Zibi MP delivered a scathing indictment of the country’s failure to protect and empower young people nearly five decades after the Soweto uprising.
“Today, we stand here, 49 years since Hector Pieterson, Tsietsi Mashinini, and scores more bled and lost their lives for the liberation of this country and its young people. Their fight is far from complete, and the scars of that era still remain,” said Zibi.
He said that while legislation like the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act exists, the current school environment remains hostile and dangerous.
“In the last year, there were 42 cases of rape; 96 cases of attempted murder; 1,214 cases of assault GBH; and 376 cases of rape at places of learning,” he stated.
Zibi said RISE Mzansi had formally asked the Minister of Basic Education to deliver an Executive Statement in Parliament on June 24 to account for efforts being made to improve school safety and quality.
“The case of little Cwecwe is not an isolated one,” he added, referencing recent tragic incidents involving children.
Beyond education, Zibi tackled youth unemployment head-on, condemning the government for presiding over a crisis where “the youth unemployment rate is close to 50%, or just over 62% if you include young people who have given up on looking for work.”
“These young people are you; the ones gathered here today in the name of Hector Pieterson; they are our family members,” he said, adding that the current R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant should be transformed into a R35-billion investment in youth economic development.
“Let us fund the future, rather than plastering over our current problems.”
He also raised concerns about a “silent crisis” ravaging communities: gambling addiction.
“You look left, you look right, you see gambling advertising on TV, during sports matches, on social media, and even at Home Affairs,” said Zibi, warning that the addiction among young people aged 25 to 35 is spiraling.
RISE Mzansi also highlighted the growing food insecurity affecting over 20 million South Africans, particularly children.
“Twenty-three percent of children suffer from severe hunger, which results in developmental problems such as stunting,” the party said, emphasizing the role of MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa in addressing the issue through food empowerment initiatives.
Turning to the upcoming National Dialogue, RISE Mzansi expressed concern about the reported R700-million budget.
“The touted R700-million price-tag appears to be excessive,” Zibi said, saying the party would use its parliamentary oversight to ensure financial accountability.
The party insists that the dialogue must “address issues of justice in all its forms” and not “escape the issue of ethical leadership across society, political, business, civil society, and academia.”
“RISE Mzansi will continue to fight for the South Africa we all deserve, and this cannot be done without working with and listening to young people,” Zibi said.
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