Young EFF supporters: 'People are crying about jobs, not R350'

POLOKWANE - Young Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) supporters have reiterated growing calls for the government to create jobs, in addition to promises of an unemployment grant. 

In its manifesto, the EFF states that should it govern, it would substantially increase the existing social welfare grants and introduce a cushion for unemployed graduates.

The party is hosting its final election rally at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo.

A report released last week by Statistics South Africa found that Limpopo had the highest number of young people discouraged from looking for work.

In its manifesto, the EFF says the government has a duty to incentives unemployed young people to prevent them from resorting to crime.

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Young EF supporters from Limpopo who spoke to Eyewitness News, say the current R350 grant does not help them.

“The hard work that has been exerted with those graduates acquiring their certificates, or degrees and all that, it was too much. They must be compensated until they get something tangible,” said one EFF supporter.

Complained another: “People are crying about jobs, not R350… things are expensive in the shops. We are looking for a job, not R350.”

The EFF plans to deal with youth unemployment through government investment in youth-owned enterprises and incentives for private businesses that hire young people.