Let's face the reality here. The rise in unemployment is fuelled by the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which restrict business, hindering its flexibility and competitiveness.

But unemployment is perpetuated by Vavi and his associates in Cosatu, who are a stumbling block in sweeping the youth off the streets of South Africa.

The main concern should be to create employment, not to seek recognition even when you are failing.

The DA Youth proposal for a wage subsidy is an effective way to help the youth enter the job market, but Vavi's stubbornness and self-centred ideology prevent young people acquiring the opportunity to better their lives.

This is creating greater inequality in this country.

Give the DA Youth a chance to offer alternative solutions to this crisis. A wise man is the one who looks for solutions from not only his friends but also his enemies to fight the battle at hand.

Furthermore, Vavi's camp should not paint this issue as political advancement but as youth advancement. Unemployment is the issue that is bringing the nation to its knees.

As a young and concerned South African, who sees the economy that limits our chances to enter the workplace after graduating, not to mention the skills shortage, I am distressed by the unemployment figures.

It is disturbing to learn that Vavi and company represent the interests only of those who are already employed, not those who are still hunting for work. This is a drawback to the youth, in particular, and the nation as a whole.

In October last year , [DA parliamentary leader] Lindiwe Mazibuko gave the key elements of the subsidy proposal and its objectives: "The implementation of the youth wage subsidy could create 178000 jobs in three years at a cost of R28000 each.

"Had the policy been implemented in April this year [2011], it would already have benefited almost 200000 young people and created more than 80000 new jobs," she said.

From the above predictions, the subsidy would have by now created more than 165000 jobs and benefited almost 500000 young people - and given our pedestrian economy a boost.

As a young man who wants a brighter future and maybe join Cosatu, although I doubt I will, I plead with Vavi and his associates to give the youth a chance to address our own challenges.

Let us set aside our political affiliations and concentrate on this common virus we have.

I hope the march yesterday sent a clear signal to you and union members.

At the end of the day, it is not about you.

It is about the inequality, poverty and other socioeconomic issues that are hampering the youth's enjoyment of their freedom.

I hope the unemployment figures will give you not a two- but a three-dimensional picture of what faces the youth in this country.