Bronkhorstspruit elderly voters demand job creation for youth
The residents said they were worried about the lack of economic opportunities for young people, despite the presence of factories and industrial activity in the region.
Anelitha Fandese
Voting polls empty at Bronkhorstspruit. Picture: Anelitha Fandese/EWN
Anelitha Fandese/EWN
Youth unemployment has emerged as one of the key concerns among elderly voters in Bronkhorstspruit.
The residents said they were worried about the lack of economic opportunities for young people, despite the presence of factories and industrial activity in the region.
They questioned why local youth continued to struggle to find work when there were businesses operating in their own communities.
“I think it’s better to vote than not vote,” said Bronkhorstspruit resident Stella Nkambule. “I wish they could treat us well and for our children to get jobs. The issue is unemployment, and if our kids could get employment, life would be better.”
Residents said this had left many young people feeling excluded from economic opportunities while unemployment continued to place pressure on families.
Resident Ntombi Ndala said she wanted the next local government leadership to prioritise job creation, work with businesses in the area, and ensure that local young people had fair access to available opportunities.
“All I’m asking for from the municipality is for the youth to get employed and for people to stop hiring through relations,” Ndala said. “Bronkhorstspruit and Nkangala have factories; they must open up the factories and employ our kids.”