Unemployment figures

Statistic South Africa released the latest national unemployment figures today saying the first-quarter unemployment rate rose by 0.8 of a percentage point to 32.9% from 32.1% in the fourth quarter. The question we are asking tonight is; how do we bring more young people into the mainstream economy especially those in the townships. Guest: Bulelani Balabala, Founder: Township Entrepreneurs Alliance. Surprised by these new figures? The issue of youth unemployment, how critical is it for these upcoming elections? Even political party promises to address it, but why is it stubborn? Our education and skills - what role do they play in driving unemployment As an expert on township economy, how do we bring unemployed people in the township into the mainstream economy? Young people in the township sometime believe there are no opportunities? When we think of township economy, sometime we only think of spaza shops. Can you break it down for us? The National Development Plan would like to see about 11 million jobs created by small businesses by 2030 - do you see that happening? What intervention do we need?