Rage over youth wage: iLIVE

08 February 2013 - 02:06 By Mnoneleli Ntshauzana, Maclear
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It has been a rough couple of months since I joined the ranks of the unemployed.

When the president announced the youth wage subsidy in 2010, I had my doubts, because many government policies do not seem to materialise.

Nevertheless, I was hopeful that maybe things would be different. How wrong I was.

The subsidy would have by now made significant inroads in the lives of the unemployed with skills. Instead, the policy has spent about two years in boardrooms while many young people lose hope.

The excuse that there are no skills in South Africa is tiresome because jobs are reserved for unqualified pals and relatives while honest graduates are overlooked.

The government only acts as if it has the interests of the country and its citizens at heart. The sudden decision to introduce the youth wage looks like a way of getting votes in next year's elections.

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