Rising unemployment, disaster looms

FORMER top intelligence official Thulani Dlomo has issued a stern warning, saying that South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate was a ticking time bomb, one that could lead to civil unrest, similar to the July 2021 riots which followed the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma.

Dlomo, who previously headed the State Security Agency’s special operations unit, made those remarks at an event hosted by the Xubera Institute of Research and Development on Thursday in Hillcrest.

More than 300 people lost their lives during the 2021 riots, with many others sustaining serious injuries, during scenes of wanton violence that erupted after Zuma’s incarceration for being in contempt of court. 

“If 60% of young people are unemployed, that’s a recipe for disaster,” Dlomo warned. “If this issue isn’t addressed, we’re likely to see a repeat of the 2021 unrest.”

Dlomo, a long-time ally of Zuma, was once labelled one of the instigators of the July riots, though he was later cleared of any involvement by the courts.

“If unemployment is resolved in our country, we’ll prevent the risk of a revolt led by young people, a revolt that could be very dangerous,” he added.

Dlomo rose to public prominence in 2012 when he joined the State Security Agency as Chief Director. He was later promoted to Deputy Director-General in 2014. In 2017, former president Zuma appointed him as South Africa’s ambassador to Japan.

His diplomatic tenure ended in January 2019 when President Cyril Ramaphosa recalled him after taking office.

The event on Thursday was attended by individuals from various sectors, including business, politics, and civil society.

Prominent businessman Rob Hersov, who also addressed attendees, and echoed Dlomo’s concerns, warning that rising unemployment posed a threat to South Africa’s “young democracy.”

“We must come together as citizens of this beautiful country and save our democracy. We have the power to determine the future of our nation,” said Hersov.

He emphasised the importance of accountability on the side of the government.

“As citizens, it’s our duty to hold the government accountable. If we stand united, we can win this battle and make South Africa a better place to live,” said Hersov.

Hersov also urged citizens to take a stand against the ANC-led Government of National Unity (GNU).

Independent political analyst Prince Mashele added to the urgency to act against unemployment and said, “Our country is burning. When your nation is in crisis, you can’t sit by idly. Each person must ask themselves what role they can play. This is not the time for vague speeches—we need to face reality head-on.”

Mashele presented two stark choices: “Either pack your bags and leave, or stay and fight. I have chosen to fight.”

He also suggested that the ANC was now the main obstacle to progress. “There was a time when the enemy was the National Party. Today, that enemy is the African National Congress.”

Mashele challenged attendees to choose action over apathy amid worsening corruption, crime, and inequality.

“How do we fight? By aligning with like-minded compatriots at the local, provincial, and national levels,” he said. “I’m committed to fighting for a better South Africa.”

Political analyst and activist Xolani Dube of the Xubera Institute, the organiser of the seminar, said: “Over 250 industry leaders attended our event, which featured Rob Hersov, Prince Mashele, Leon Saunders, and Thulani Dlomo.”

DAILY NEWS