MPs Call for Urgent Action on Escalating Youth Unemployment

Members of Parliament (MPs) have urged government to take decisive measures to address escalating youth unemployment, following the overwhelming turnout at Palazzo Ezulwini’s recruitment drive on Saturday.

Lawmakers React to Job Crisis

Tinkhundla Administration and Development Portfolio Committee Chairperson Sicelo Dlamini said the turnout reflected the severity of joblessness in Eswatini. He suggested that creating space for young jobseekers could start with mandatory retirement at age 60.

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“We have also called on the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs to work with the Ministry of Agriculture to provide young people with capital for farming. This would allow them to create businesses and export produce, which could help address youth unemployment,” Dlamini said.

He stressed that depending on government as the main employer was unsustainable, adding that the sight of thousands queuing in the rain for temporary, low-paying jobs “does not paint a good picture” for the country.

No Jobs Even for Graduates

Labour and Social Security Portfolio Committee Chairperson Sifiso Magagula added that graduate unemployment was also a growing crisis.

He explained that while government continues to court investors, many companies are no longer hiring Emaswati on a permanent basis.

The MPs jointly emphasised the need for youth-focused policies, farming initiatives, and private sector-driven opportunities to reduce the rising unemployment levels.

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