Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana,

We know that as South African youth, we are facing multiple challenges on our journey to earning an income. But public employment programmes are giving us our first work experience and offering us a chance to get our foot in the door to make sure that we can continue earning an income.

Social and public employment programmes have led young people into community services, like careers in early-childhood development and basic education, while also providing much-needed extra human resources in these areas. As teaching and education assistants we provide services within our communities that benefit everyone while earning some income to support ourselves, our families and our side hustles.

In future, they can also provide us with the skills and first work experiences needed to play a proactive role within the South African economy, including contributing to a just energy transition. We, therefore, urge you to please continue funding social and public employment programmes.

Yours sincerely,