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Eastern Cape youth want mini-budget to focus on jobs

Published

A South African Youth Council leader in the Eastern Cape says the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement should fund and mentor young entrepreneurs. Unemployment in the province is above 47%, and youth unemployment is above 50%.

Zikhona Matyila, a provincial executive member of the South African Youth Council in the Eastern Cape, also wants investment in water, electricity and roads. She says reliable services help businesses grow, build factories and open jobs for young people.

Matyila said: "If water, electricity and roads are being serviced, then it means more factories are open, and young people can get jobs from there."

Residents also hope the 2026 statement will bring measures to stimulate economic growth, attract investment and create jobs.

Key facts

Who
Zikhona Matyila (South African Youth Council Provincial Executive Member (Eastern Cape)); South African Youth Council (youth organisation; Matyila is a provincial executive member)
What
South African Youth Council Eastern Cape provincial executive member Zikhona Matyila says the budget should fund and mentor young entrepreneurs and invest in water, electricity and roads to create jobs. The article reports Eastern Cape unemployment above 47% and youth unemployment above 50%.
When
21 October 2026
Where
Eastern Cape
Status
Reported

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