4 August 2024
Esteemed members of the Young Communist League of South Africa’s Provincial Council, distinguished guests, and fellow comrades, it is with a deep sense of responsibility and revolutionary commitment that I address you today. We convene this Provincial Council at a critical juncture for our province and our nation. On behalf of the National Committee of the YCLSA, I am honored to speak on the key contemporary issues, strategic focal areas, and the imperative actions we must deliberate upon to energize our commitment to social justice, economic equity, and the empowerment of our youth. As we have declared 2024 the “Year of the District: Mobilize, Educate, and Agitate the Youth for Socialism,
Political Landscape and The Motive Forces
The transition to a Government of National Unity (GNU) marked a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history, symbolizing the transfer of political power from the liberation forces to liberal ones after decades of struggle. Yet, as we stand at the intersection of reflection and progress, it becomes crucial to evaluate whether this historic transfer of power has genuinely fulfilled the revolutionary aspirations of our people, or if it has merely shifted power to liberal forces intent on preserving the status quo.
The ascendency of neoliberalism under the GNU has not only diluted the revolutionary momentum but has also entrenched economic disparities, thereby marginalizing the working class and suppressing the voices of the impoverished. The neoliberal agenda, with its emphasis on market-driven policies and privatization, has often sidelined the transformative ambitions of the liberation movement, leaving the majority of South Africans, particularly the youth and working class, in a state of economic precarity.
Drawing from Lenin’s assertion that “there are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen,” we must critically assess whether the GNU has genuinely enhanced popular power or if it has served as a mechanism to temper revolutionary zeal. The ongoing struggles of the working class, high youth unemployment rates, and the persistence of inequality suggest that the essence of the NDR has been compromised by the co-optation of power by liberal and capitalist interests.
In this context, the role of the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) becomes even more critical. The YCLSA must spearhead the fight to reclaim popular power, ensuring that the working class and youth are not just participants in democracy but are central to the decision-making processes that shape their lives. We must build a movement that challenges neoliberal orthodoxy and advances a radical economic agenda that prioritizes social justice, youth development, and the empowerment of the working class.
The current political landscape, as reflected in the analysis of youth voter behavior leading up to the 2024 elections, underscores the urgency of this mission. The youth, who are the majority demographic, continue to face systemic challenges such as unemployment, inadequate access to education, and limited economic opportunities. These challenges are exacerbated by a political system that has proven to prioritize elite interests over the needs of the masses.
It is within this framework that we must position our struggle. The YCLSA’s task is not only to mobilize the youth and working class but also to articulate a clear and revolutionary alternative to the current neoliberal trajectory. This involves deepening our analysis of the local dynamics, understanding the frustrations of our communities, and translating these into a coherent program of action that resonates with the lived experiences of our peopleon the ground
2. Economic Inequality and Youth Unemployment
Comrades, the unemployment crisis in South Africa has reached critical proportions, particularly for our youth. As of the latest reports, youth unemployment according to the data from 2023 stands at an alarming rate of approximately 55%, meaning that more than six out of every ten young people are without jobs. This is a glaring statistic; that is a damning indictment of the systemic failures that have left an entire generation in economic despair. The youth of our nation are not just unemployed; they are being systematically excluded from the economy, their potential squandered by a system that has not delivered on its promises.
Despite the implementation of the Youth Employment Accord in 2013, which was designed to create job opportunities through set-asides and youth employment subsidies, the outcomes have been far from satisfactory. According to a recent evaluation, the programs under this Accord have only managed to create less than 10% of the anticipated job opportunities, leaving the majority of our youth to fend for themselves in an unforgiving economic landscape. This failure is underscored by the reality that South Africa’s youth are not only struggling to find jobs but are also grappling with poverty, with over 70% of young people living below the poverty line.
The inadequacies of these initiatives demand urgent action. The Youth Employment Accord and similar programs must undergo rigorous evaluation and restructuring to ensure they can deliver tangible results. As it stands, these programs are merely symbolic gestures, offering little in the way of real change. We must move beyond symbolic interventions and adopt a radical approach to youth employment and economic empowerment. Our policies must be grounded in the reality of the challenges our youth face, with a focus on practical and impactful solutions that address the root causes of unemployment.
As Commander Fidel Castro poignantly reminded us, “A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past.” Our mission must be driven by this revolutionary spirit as we work to dismantle the outdated systems that continue to oppress our youth. The time has come to forge new pathways—pathways that offer real opportunities for our young people, pathways that provide them with the dignity of work, and pathways that empower them to take control of their economic destinies.
The YCLSA must lead the charge in advocating for radical economic policies that prioritize the needs of the youth. This means pushing for the creation of sustainable jobs, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and ensuring that skills development programs are not just accessible but are truly empowering. We need to focus on sectors where youth have a comparative advantage, such as technology and the green economy, to ensure that they are not just participants in the economy but leaders in its transformation.
The fight against youth unemployment is also a fight against systemic inequality. The future of South Africa cannot be shaped without the full participation of its youth. It is their hands that will mold our future, their voices that will articulate our vision, and their energy that will drive our progress. The time to act is now; our commitment to youth economic empowerment is not just a matter of policy—it is a revolutionary imperative.
3. Social Challenges and Youth Development
The socio-political fabric of our nation is indeed under severe strain, with inadequate healthcare, rampant crime, and systemic educational failures creating a volatile environment that threatens our collective future. In this context, the role of youth becomes even more critical—not just as passive recipients of the consequences but as active participants in shaping the solutions. The youth, with their energy, innovation, and adaptability, are uniquely positioned to drive social change. However, this potential can only be realized if we prioritize and elevate their participation and representation in all aspects of societal development.
Youth must be seen as the central force and be given requisite autonomy in our efforts to address these challenges. We need to empower them to take ownership of their futures by involving them directly in the processes of governance, decision-making, and community development. The tremendous assets within our youth—such as their familiarity with digital technologies, their innovative thinking, and their ability to adapt to new paradigms—are resources that must be harnessed to tackle the pressing issues facing our society.
To achieve this, it is imperative that in every district, we establish active and dynamic YCLSA branches. These branches should not only focus on identifying and addressing the specific issues within their communities but also on mobilizing the youth towards a broader socialist agenda. This means creating programs that are not just reactive to existing problems but proactive in agitating for systemic change. By cultivating a sense of agency among young people, we can transform them from being merely the victims of socio-economic challenges to becoming the architects of a new, just society.
Furthermore, we must strategically leverage the opportunities presented by the Ditigitalization and the emerging data economy. These technological advancements offer new avenues for youth empowerment, enabling them to become not just consumers but also creators and innovators. By equipping our youth with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can ensure they play a leading role in driving the changes that will define our future. The YCLSA must take the lead in promoting digital literacy, technological entrepreneurship, and innovation-driven development, ensuring that our youth are at the forefront of these transformative processes.
Strategic Areas of Focus
1. Revitalizing the Popular Front through the Student-Worker Alliance
Revitalizing the popular front through the Student-Worker Alliance remains an essential strategy for championing and hegemonizing the effective bargaining power of the left in all institutions of higher learning. This student worker alliance should serve as a launching pad for a popular front geared towards addressing issues in education, health, and crime. By consolidating efforts between students and workers, we maximize the dividends of youth energy and innovation.
We must develop a progressive and revolutionary intelligentsia with a profound sense of social responsibility, driving change from the grassroots level. We must remember that we are members of the community before we are students and workers. Therefore, our human capital must benefit society through community service, leading to community development.
2. Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment for Socialism (YEES)
The Youth Economic Empowerment for Socialism (YEES) must be a central focus of our strategic efforts. The previous approaches under the Youth Employment Accord have fallen short. Therefore, we need to ensure robust advocacy for policies that guarantee effective implementation and monitoring of youth employment subsidies. New pathways for youth entrepreneurship should be introduced, providing comprehensive support systems to nurture young innovators and entrepreneurs.
The YEES is not just about economic empowerment; it is about building a socialist economy that prioritizes the needs of the youth and the working class. We must push for state-supported youth cooperatives, mentorship programs, and access to capital, ensuring that our youth are not just participants but leaders in the economic transformation of our society.
3. Mainstreaming Youth Development in Policy Formulation
All significant policy formulations must incorporate youth development as a core component. This mainstreaming will ensure that young people are central to societal problem-solving processes, contributing not just ideas but actionable solutions. We must encourage youth councils and forums that actively partake in local and national governance, reinforcing the influence of young voices.
By mainstreaming youth development, we ensure that the policies and programs that shape our society are reflective of the needs, aspirations, and potential of our youth.
Building the League and Popular Movement for Popular Power
Comrades, the issues we’ve discussed today—whether it’s the state of the political landscape, the alarming levels of youth unemployment, or the need for a more inclusive and responsive approach to policy-making—are not just isolated challenges but interconnected aspects of a broader struggle. To address these effectively, we must focus on building the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) into a more robust and dynamic force, capable of leading the charge for popular power.
Strengthening the League’s Foundations: The strength of any movement lies in the solidity of its foundation. As the YCLSA, our foundation is our members—young, vibrant, committed comrades who are willing to dedicate their lives to the cause of socialism and the upliftment of the working class. We must prioritize the political education and ideological training of our members, ensuring that they are not only aware of the challenges we face but are also equipped with the tools to overcome them. This education must be continuous, engaging, and rooted in the lived experiences of our people.
Expanding Our Reach and Influence: Our influence must extend beyond the traditional confines of political spaces. We must be present and active in schools, universities, workplaces, and communities, advocating for the rights and needs of young people. This means expanding our membership base and ensuring that every young person in the province and the nation at large sees the YCLSA as a vehicle for change. By doing so, we can transform the League into a mass-based organization that is not only representative but also capable of mobilizing significant numbers in the pursuit of popular power.
Building Alliances for Broader Impact: The YCLSA cannot achieve its goals in isolation. We must continue to build strong alliances with other progressive forces, both within and outside of South Africa. The Student-Worker Alliance is one such example, but we must also seek partnerships with other youth organizations, civil society groups, and international comrades who share our vision of a socialist future. These alliances will be crucial in amplifying our voice and ensuring that our demands are met with the seriousness they deserve.
Mobilizing for Popular Power: To defend the National Democratic Revolution and the emergence of motive forces on the scenes on all spheres of governance. The concept of popular power must be central to our activities. We must actively work to transfer power from the hands of the few to the hands of the many, ensuring that the will of the people is not only heard but also acted upon. This involves not just participating in elections or government structures, but also building alternative structures of power within our communities—structures that are democratic, inclusive, and truly representative of the people’s needs and aspirations.
The Role of Districts in Movement Building: Our declaration of 2024 as the Year of the District is a call to action. Districts are where the rubber meets the road; they are where our policies and strategies are put to the test. Each district must become a hub of activism, where the energy and creativity of our members are harnessed to address local issues while contributing to the broader struggle for socialism.
Preparing for the Future: Finally, we must recognize that the struggle for socialism is a long-term endeavor. We must be patient, disciplined, and unwavering in our commitment. This means preparing the next generation of leaders who will carry the torch forward, ensuring that the ideals of the YCLSA are passed on and strengthened over time. Our efforts today will lay the groundwork for a future where socialism is not just an aspiration but a reality.
In closing, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a powerful, united League and a popular movement that is capable of leading South Africa towards the socialist future we all envision. The path ahead is challenging, but with determination, unity, and a clear sense of purpose, we will prevail.
Mzwandile Thakhudi
National Secretary, Young Communist League of South Africa
