Zuma: BRICS will contribute to youth development

Part of the cooperation will see an undersea broadband cable join Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).

“We are certain that BRICS will contribute immensely to satisfying the employment and development needs of our young population,” said Zuma in a speech in Pretoria at the Commonwealth conference.

Zuma said in less than two weeks leaders from the four above mentioned countries will be “converging on our shores,” and he is excited to form part of the group as South Africa’s leader.

“We expect… that many opportunities will be taken up by the business community of our country in particular, to promote investments into our beautiful country. Our BRIC partners do appreciate our youth employment and empowerment drive,” said Zuma.

“Research undertaken… highlights the fact that youth have been disproportionately affected by low growth,” said Zuma, making reference to the 2008 financial crisis, which caused a rising in unemployment, poverty and income inequality, especially among the youth on a global scale.

According to Zuma, more than 40 per cent of economically active people and under the age of 30 were unemployed.

“While this is worrying, there is also a positive angle. The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) report highlights that countries which have higher numbers of youth in their population have better growth prospects than those with ageing populations,” said Zuma.

Since the 2011 census indicated that South Africa is mostly a nation of young people, with more than a third of the population being under 15, Zuma is optimistic about South Africa’s future in terms of growth prospects.

“This makes us a nation with a future, and we must utilise all available resources to build that future, that future is our young people. Therefore our focus on improving the quality of education is well-placed, as we are investing in our children and the youth to ensure sustainable development,” said Zuma.