Urban development

In the five years since its launch, the National Youth Service has witnessed a significant increase in the number of young people participating. The article reflects on the growth of the government-led initiative which has grown from three to four government departments involvement in the implementation to include almost 15 departments at national, provincial and local levels. The National Youth Service
ensured that more than 100 000 young South Africans have directly benefited their communities and the country

There is a crisis in housing in the Western Cape. In Cape Town alone, there is a backlog of 400 000 houses, which is increasing by 18-20 000 a year, with only 8-9 000 houses built annually. The ANC’s goal of eliminating all informal settlements by 2014 is more likely a pipe dream; and it is equally foolish for the DA to try to implement a policy of zero tolerance for land occupations. Until sufficient housing can be provided, space must be allowed for the swelling urban population to build shacks on vacant land

Can the creative energies of South Africa’s young people be turned into one of the country’s greatest assets, and a source of economic growth and prosperity? South Africa faces an enormous unemployment challenge. As a means to combat this problem, SBP believes that the NYDA has the potential to play a critical role in building the culture, skills and supporting the entrepreneurial growth of youth

Informal workers are among those who are still finding it hard to celebrate Workers Month. Every day they have to confront harsh working conditions and sometimes endure harassment by metropolitan police who enforce draconian by-laws and policies with alacrity on them. The Worker Sunday Campaign salutes the millions of workers of our country for their contribution to making our economy sustainable