Mantashe’s youth unemployment remarks could hurt ANC at ballot box, warns analyst
Political analyst Oscar van Heerden says while there is some truth to Gwede Mantashe’s remarks on youth unemployment, the issue lies in the tone used by the ANC’s national chairperson.
Mantashe has come under fire for remarks he made during an interview with SABC News earlier this week.
The veteran politician expressed satisfaction with the African National Congress’s performance in delivering services, but criticised young people for what he described as a lack of proactiveness.
Mantashe urged unemployed people to stop “basking in the sun” and to start applying for opportunities that the ANC government has created.
The comments sparked widespread backlash, with critics pointing to South Africa’s unemployment rate of 31.9% in the third quarter of 2025, as well as allegations of nepotism involving Mantashe’s son, Buyambo Mantashe, who was appointed chairperson of a Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) board.
The appointment was later withdrawn.
"Mantashe is speaking from frustration because there has been such a huge failure from everyone in the country to try and create much needed jobs and deal with unemployement," said Van Heerdan.
Van Heerden points out that many people overlook the fact that job creation is not solely a government's responsibility but largely falls within the mandate of the private sector.
He argues that the private sector and some NGOs often avoid acknowledging this, choosing instead to place the blame entirely on the government.
He adds that Mantashe’s intention may have been to encourage people to be productive and actively seek employment.
However, with unemployment continuing to rise, organisations such as the National Youth Development Agency are under severe pressure to support young people through financial and non-financial assistance.
The NYDA reports receiving more than 5,000 grant applications from young people in 2025, aimed at starting or growing businesses to sustain their livelihoods.
NYDA senior manager Tshepo Manyama says only 1,700 grants could be approved due to limited funding.
He notes that most applicants are young people starting small businesses such as tuck shops and hair salons.
The agency has also supported unemployed lawyers, graphic designers and accountants through learnerships, volunteer programmes and opportunities for further study.
Van Heerden warns that Mantashe’s remarks could negatively impact the ANC’s prospects in the local government elections.
He says that at a time when South Africans are grappling with unemployment, poverty and inequality, these types of statements from senior ANC leaders could lead to significant electoral losses for the party.
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