Xiluva party claims to have a solution for 31% of unemployed South Africans

JOHANNESBURG - With over 31% of South Africans unemployed, the newly registered political party Xiluva claims to have a solution to the crisis.

The organisation’s leader and former Midvaal mayor, Bongani Baloyi, suggests implementing a conscription policy could address joblessness in the country.

Baloyi was speaking in Soweto on Monday, where Xiluva launched its campaign billboard ahead of the national and provincial elections.

ALSO READ: Unemployment and illegal immigration top of Xiluva's agenda, says Baloyi

In 1967, the apartheid government implemented a mandatory conscription policy – that required white men to serve in the military for two years after completing their studies.

The policy was abolished in 1994 following heavy pressure from the End Conscription Campaign, which was aligned to the United Democratic Front.

But Xiluva leader Bongani Baloyi says reintroducing compulsory military service for the youth is one way to tackle unemployment.

"We want to reintroduce conscription for young people to serve conscription for two and a half years and most importantly, young people who have skills will offer their skills to the international community."

He says the Xiluva party also believes the nationalisation of mines could address joblessness.