Chairperson, real and meaningful youth development and empowerment come down to three things: quality education, employment opportunities and entrepreneurial development. These three pillars are where our focus should be when we speak about youth development and empowerment.
Quite predictably, in this debate, only the DA has spoken clearly and compellingly to these crucial issues, backed by research and workable policies. [Applause.] My colleague the hon Cassim was quite right to say that the surest way to empower our youth is through quality, accessible education, because only a quality education equips young people with the knowledge and skills to meet the demands of the economy.
My colleague the hon Steenkamp was also very correct to repeat the call by the DA and the DA youth for the scrapping of the National Youth Development Agency, NYDA. With an annual budget of almost R400 million, we have seen minimal value add by this institution. In fact, given that the NYDA is better known for hosting international youth conferences that feature kissing contests and, given that millions have been spent on parties and travel, perhaps it should be renamed from National Youth Development Agency to the "National Yolo and Debauchery Agency". [Applause.]
Finally, my colleague the hon Gana highlighted very rightly that this country has many bright young people who are coming up with many innovations. In addition, the aspect of entrepreneurial development is especially key, because the entrepreneurs who see a gap in the markets and take a risk to offer new goods or services are the catalysts for innovation and growth. They produce true value and new wealth.
In reference to President Zuma, in his reply to the debate on the state of the nation address, he called for ideas to enrich debate. In this debate, from the ANC's side ...
... angitholanga lutho okunjalo. Ayikho imicabango ekhona ngalapho ... [... I didn't get anything like that. There are no ideas pertaining to that ...]
... apart maybe from some waffly compound sentences and history lessons. Let me say, while we honour our past, the main priority for our young people is to own our future. [Applause.] We need to head in that direction.
Hon Tobias spoke about how the ANC government invests money in education. It is quite right to point that out, but it is not enough to throw money at the problem. You have to get the management of the education system right and you start by addressing the stranglehold that the South African Democratic Teachers Union, Sadtu, has on the public education system, especially in townships where that improvement is much needed.
I heard hon Dirks mentioning the Freedom Charter. I would like to remind the hon Dirks that in the Freedom Charter it says that there will be work. It says that everyone will have the right and duty to work. So, if you want to reference the Freedom Charter, you had better make sure that you are actually putting it into action.
He also spoke about the fact that the ANC government is delivering quality education.
Umbuzo wami uthi: Kuphi? [My question is: Where?]
Where is this quality education? He spoke about how the ANC government has a plan. [Interjections.] Quite frankly, that is all the ANC seems to have - plans and intentions. The youth needs action and results. I will give you an example. Since 2010, the Ministerial ...