YOUNG people have vented their frustration at the current government's inability to create jobs for them.
Some choose to continue studying to avoid falling into depression and drugs as they sit at home doing nothing.
The decision also gives them little hope, as many of them drop out of their studies due to financial difficulties.
This was stated by Nkosinathi Mabilani, a member of the Students' Representative Council at Unisa on Wednesday, 13 March.
He was addressing students sitting with former president Thabo Mbeki, who organised a meeting with them to discuss socio-political issues affecting the country's youth.
Nkosinathi compared problems faced by graduates to those of a young girl he had met on the train travelling to Mamelodi.
He said the girl's name is Tintswalo, an unemployed medical student who wanted to continue her studies to "at least, teach maths or science at a kasi school".
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But due to financial problems, it's unlikely she'll continue her studies, Nkosinathi said.
"About 70% of Comrade Tintswalo's friends are likely to drop out. There's not enough support, Nsfas is dysfunctional and the systems don't work, the cost of accommodation is skyrocketing, students have no tools and no access," he said.
As Mzansi prepares for the general elections, Nkosinathi emphasised that the youth must make the right decision and vote for a party that will lift them out of their predicament.
“Responsibility lies with the youth of this country to decide who will be part of the government, who will provide free education in this lifetime. We'll vote for a party that will prioritise the needs of the youth and the future of this country."
Kgothatso Mogawane (23), who studied accounting, said she will be voting because young people have issues that the governing party has failed to address.
She wants the current government to be replaced by a new party that will help solve high youth unemployment.
"Once that is resolved, we'll fight drug abuse, rape and mental health issues," she said.
