Yes, I know, it is a Viking surname. Mr Deputy President, youth unemployment is a massive problem and the unemployment rate at the moment is 56,4%, nationally. You have touched on it and said that one of the problems is education and skills. However, you will know that one of the major problems when any young person goes for an interview is experience.
In the Western Cape, we have something called, the Premier Advancement of Youth programme, Pay. We have offered work on a stipend basis to 700 matriculants in 2018, which has allowed them to work right throughout the Western Cape governmental structure, in various different sectors. And for one year they have been paid a salary, but most critically, they gained experience. This enables them to enter the job market later.
My question to you: Would you agree with a DA initiative and a DA idea to roll out a voluntary national youth service? So, when you leave school, you can work in a government-related sector, whether it is a hospital, a state farm or a police station. They can be in
service of their country for a year, but most critically, gain youth skills. Would you support such an initiative? Thank you.