ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile has promised to revisit the highly criticised government's employment policy, which draws a line between adults and the youth.
Mashatile admitted that serious amendments need to be considered in the policy to cater for whoever is aged between 35 and 59 and unemployed.
This after scores of residents from Qholaqhwe Village in QwaQwa, Free State, complained about the high rate of unemployment among adults as a result of the policy, which discriminates against them.
Residents viewed the policy as a decisive move to increase poverty. However, the initial purpose of the policy aimed to address unemployment, reduce inequality, promote skills development, support youth employment, attract investments and alleviate poverty.
They threatened not to vote in the upcoming national elections, if the ANC-led government failed to put the employment policy at the top of the agenda.
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Resident Balekile Mahlangu (37) said government has little intention to address unemployment, hence the implementation of the R350 social grant.
"We want the policy removed. It undermines the culture of black communities. If the policy was designed to cater for the youth, that simply implies that we will abstain from voting. It's unthinkable to say people older than 35 are out of government's employment policy scope, while, on the other hand, you need their votes," said Mashatile.
"It's a curse to be an adult in South Africa because all opportunities are directed to the youth regardless of qualifications. Mothers and fathers younger than 50 deserve to be hired to feed their families. Employment brings dignity to the family. It can also reduce the skyrocketing crime level."
Addressing the media at Qholaqhwe Sports ground, Mashatile said: "We're concerned about the high level of unemployment."
The deputy president suggested employment initiatives and programmes aimed at young people, adding that unemployment affects everyone.
"Our approach is to grow the economy to create employment for everybody. It's our priority to grow the economy, particularly through infrastructure investment, reconstruction and a recovery plan," he said.
Mashatile was in the area as part of his day-two elections campaign in the Thabo Mofutsanyana region.
