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Johannesburg - The DA has launched a plan to tackle youth unemployment in South Africa, the party said on Monday.
"The DA’s youth employment plan focuses on proposals to alleviate youth unemployment and create opportunities for young people," the Democratic Alliance said in a statement.
"But we will never make significant steps towards tackling youth unemployment unless we fix South Africa’s failing basic education system."
It said the plan had a number of proposals, which the party would "implement as far as we can where we are elected into government".
The proposals included implementation of a youth wage subsidy, and a voucher scheme.
"The voucher will provide funding to young adults who would like to start their own businesses, or further their education and skills development."
It also planned to introduce a government internship programme, a nation-wide bursary scheme for 50 000 "academically talented learners", and a reimbursement for employers on money spent on "approved" training.
"This will ensure that employees' skills are better matched with market demand. This policy would replace the bureaucratic and ineffective Seta (Sector Education and Training Authority) system."
The party also planned to expand the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and open specialised secondary schools that focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
"The DA will establish a number of colleges of higher education across the country that will offer two to four-year qualifications. They will award undergraduate degrees and a range of other qualifications," it said.
"The DA will put in place a range of interventions to give youth at risk an opportunity to find direction and make the most of their lives."
