Zuma defends cabinet reshuffle at WEF
President Jacob Zuma says he appointed several young people to his cabinet to ensure the involvement of young people in shaping the future.
President Zuma was speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Durban on 'Africa in the New Global Context'.
He was asked to speak to and answer the following question:
In Africa, 70% of the population are below the age of 30 which presents a great opportunity on the one hand, but also a long term challenge especially given that young people consider corruption and a lack of transparency as significant factors contributing towards inequality. How can leaders deliver prosperity to all in the face of increasing polarisation of values and thought?
President Zuma says he thinks there is a process of involving young people in changing the future.
"In governments for example, in organisations, they are participating. Not long ago I had a reshuffle of government. I [appointed] a lot of young people, particularly implementing that idea," says President Zuma.
President Zuma has come under fire for his cabinet reshuffle at the end of March, which saw Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan axed.
People have taken to the streets, calling for his resignation, while opposition parties have approached the courts.
The president says people expressing their different views is a sign of a democracy.
"The reality is that we should not just talk about the youth participation, we should involve them. I have seen them coming in, in a number of governments and organisations. I think it is a question of us harmonising our thinking and, therefore, making our plans and having programmes to implement," says President Zuma.
Listen to the full bulletin here: