ANC launches youth platform

Zweli Mkhize. File photo.
Image by: Thuli Dlamini

Young people must take a strong lead in growing the South African economy and becoming involved, ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize said on Monday.

"We have taken a very comprehensive view on youth empowerment. We want skills development and capacity development among the youth," he said on a televised broadcast of The New Age business briefing in Johannesburg.

The African National Congress on Monday launched the Progressive Youth in Business forum which focuses on youth entrepreneurship.

"Everything we do is about helping to empower the youth. Businesses must give them skills."

"We want the young people in this forum to interact with policy makers and political leaders, it's an opportunity to share views and advice on policy making."

Mkhize wanted young people to participate in discourse about economic emancipation.

"The young people must lead."

Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba said young people would be more productive in a working environment compared to older people waiting for retirement.

"This forum is for young people who want to grow the economy, as long as they are interested. There's been an absence of youth in civil society organised in business," he said.

"It's in the interest of the country. They [young people] are going to here for the long haul."