Young people attending youth day celebrations in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg, welcomed ANC Youth League president Julius Malema's call for job creation.

While addressing the youth at Tuesday's celebration at the Huntersfield stadium in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, Malema had urged President Jacob Zuma to set aside for the youth 50 percent of the 500 000 jobs he had promised to create by December.

Among those who cheered and applauded Malema was Khonzakwakhe Buthelezi from Kagiso, west of Johannesburg.

Although employed, Buthelezi said lack of education had sunk the country's youth deeper into poverty and encouraged the cycle of poverty to continue in communities.

He said youth ended up doing "mediocre" jobs like those their parents had done before them.

"We really hope they [government] deliver on their promises, because we need better jobs.

"Our income doesn't enable us to buy houses because we couldn't afford going to tertiary [institutions], we end up relying on the government," said Buthelezi.

He was among hundreds of people who were bussed into Katlehong from townships as far afield as Kagiso.

With him was Thabang Mofokeng from Sebokeng, in the Vaal Triangle, who said he was hoping to get a job as he had been sitting at home since he matriculated in 2004.

Meaningless speeches

"We are tired of hearing speeches which mean nothing and we hope that for a change they [government] can be true to their word and implement everything that they promise.

"We need jobs... I've been sitting at home for five years without a job," he said.

Responding to Malema's message, Mofokeng said the youth league president was right in saying that the National Youth Development Agency — launched on Tuesday — should be more in touch with people and have offices in townships and rural villages where it can be accessible to young people.

"We need a National Youth Development Agency office in Sedibeng so that we can know where to go when we have problems or suggestions," he said.

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, education MEC Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula were at the event.

Once all formalities were completed, the young people who filled the stadium to capacity became more lively and danced to local musicians Nhlanhla of Mafikizolo, Bricks and Winnie Khumalo.

As they jumped up and down and hoisted African National Congress and South African flags, one woman said she hoped the youth were as interested in Malema's and Zuma's addresses.

"I wish our children have been listening to our leaders. I wish they can take education seriously, study hard and stop involving themselves in criminal activities, because we'd like to see them become our presidents one day," said Nomonde Motwala (38) from nearby Duduza township.

Sapa

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