The youth are major stakeholders in society

SINCE Youth Day was declared a public holiday by Nelson Mandela, young people are still struggling to reap the benefits of our democracy.

This democracy provides for equal opportunities for all as enshrined in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution.

Affirmative action and job reservations are at play when Indian youth graduates apply for vacancies in the open job market and are rejected because of the colour of their skin.

The Democratic Liberal Congress' (DLC) manifesto clearly calls for an end to affirmative action and for people to be employed on merit.

Youths must be prioritised. The government needs to pass the necessary legislation that will not discriminate against youth seeking employment opportunities.

Whilst the DLC has expressed that a lot more needs to be done in terms of youth development, the party is encouraging youths not to lose hope and to persevere against all odds.

My message as the leader of the DLC to all the youths of South Africa is hope. We need to reflect on our past, from whence we have come, to where we are going.

The youth must join in a united voice and speak out against drugs, alcoholism and gangsterism.

Education is paramount if we are to have a progressive country.

Let's spread the message of hope and prosperity to every youth in moving our country forward. The DLC also calls upon our youth to raise the red flag against corruption and marginalisation. The youth are major stakeholders in our society and must be part of decision-making processes in a meaningful way.

PATRICK PILLAY Leader of the DLC, Phoenix