JOINT STATEMENT OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS YOUTH LEAGUE (ANCYL) AND THE SOUTH AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC TEACHERS UNION STUDENTS CHAPTER (SADTUSC)
The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) and the South African Democratic Teachers Union Students Chapter (SADTUSC) met at Luthuli House in Johannesburg to chart the path forward in support of the marginalised masses and youth of South Africa against the perpetual neo-liberal capitalist society, which continues to sideline the interests of our people in order to advance capitalist interests in the sphere of education and the broader margins of society.
This meeting issued a clarion call for a united front towards the upcoming local government elections, and the SADTU Students Chapter assured its support to the ANC Youth League in the broader fight against the exclusion of our masses from the economic benefits of this country. Both organisations agreed to work hand in hand to advance the National Democratic Revolution. We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our relationship through bold and transformative programmes that will empower our youth and challenge the status quo.
Both organisations agreed to confront the unjust practices of the South African Council for Educators (SACE). The ANCYL and the SADTU Students Chapter have long called for the cancellation of subscription payments for unemployed teachers. It is the sin of neo-liberalism to force those whom the system has rendered unemployed to pay fees in order to remain recognised as teachers. We strongly reject these actions with the contempt they deserve.
We condemn the coercive subscription fees imposed on unemployed educators, which stifle opportunity and perpetuate inequality. We demand that SACE immediately retract its decision to levy unfair fees on unemployed educators. It is time to hold institutions accountable to the very youth they are meant to serve.
We have noted from the Q1 Stats SA unemployment figures that unemployment in the community and social services sector has increased. A significant portion of this increase is attributable to the discontinuation of temporary teachers, leaving many unemployed. We call on the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Basic Education to re-employ all teachers who were removed from temporary teaching programmes.
We resolved to embark on a vigorous campaign to rally support for the ANC in the upcoming local government elections. This is a crucial moment for our democracy, and we call on all young people to rise and ensure that their voices are heard at the ballot box. The future of our country is in our hands, and together we will mobilise a massive turnout that reflects our aspirations for a better South Africa.
We acknowledge with urgency that the crisis of undocumented illegal immigrants must be approached through a holistic and resolute government strategy. This issue poses serious security challenges, and we demand comprehensive measures that ensure the safety and stability of our nation while respecting human dignity.
Moreover, we are prepared to lead the youth in a powerful protest to the Union Buildings, demanding that government urgently address the escalating crisis of youth unemployment. We will not stand by while our future is compromised. The youth of South Africa deserve better, and we will fight for immediate solutions.
We also celebrate the 100,000 job opportunities announced through the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative. This is a crucial step towards combating the staggering unemployment rates that continue to plague our communities. However, we insist that this must form part of a broader and sustained commitment to economic justice and empowerment.
Finally, we acknowledge the urgent need to support COSAS in rebuilding its structures and revitalising the Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA). Our collective strength lies in our unity, and we are committed to fostering a powerful and organised movement that will drive our agenda forward.
Issued by:
The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL)
Secretary General Comrade Tsakani Shiviti
The South African Democratic Teachers Union Students Chapter (SADTUSC)
National Coordinator Xolani Dube