KwaZulu-Natal Youth Parliament calls for curriculum reform to meet global job demands

Speakers at the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Parliament (YP), held on Friday, called for the education curriculum to be revised to meet the current global employment demands, such as digital technology. 

The theme for the Youth Parliament 2025 was: Skills for the Changing World: Bridging the Gap through Education, Skills Development, and Entrepreneurship. 

Mmabatho Tembe, the Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, called on the youth of the province to rise to the challenges of the present by equipping themselves with skills, strategy, and innovation.

Tembe said: “This Parliament is not just a date on the calendar; it is a platform for voices that are often sidelined. It is a space for the youth to express, engage, and demand accountability from those entrusted with power.

“Our generation must now rise not with stones, but with skills. Not with slogans alone, but with strategy. And that begins with transforming how we educate and empower our youth.” 

Youth leagues representing several political parties expressed their views.

Lethani Ndumo, of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), said that equipping people with the relevant skills will contribute to the economy of the country.

He said there was limited access to quality education, limited job opportunities, and skills were not matching employment demand.  

According to Ndumo, the lack of jobs led to frustration and high levels of crime.

He stated that for 30 years, the government has consistently mentioned inadequate budgets to address challenges facing the youth, yet has spent millions of rand on renting buildings instead of investing in its infrastructure.

Ndumo said there were challenges facing students in higher education systems, including not being accepted into universities or being allowed to receive in-service training. 

Zandile Ndlovu, of the IFP, called for a curriculum review that is substantial and in touch with the needs of the social and economic demands.

“It should be transformative and progressive, equipping young people with skills that are of national importance and meet global demand. We see the need for innovative learning and entrepreneurship as a valuable career path. Incorporating entrepreneurship into the curriculum can foster creativity and innovation,” Ndlovu said.

Representing the Democratic Alliance, Daniel Mea said the YP is meant to be a platform of serious engagement, and young people were not a tick box exercise to be acknowledged once a year. 

“Graduates stay home while their qualifications gather dust. Enough of the ceremonial forums and youth formations being silenced after a photo is taken. If this Parliament can meet weekly, why does the Youth Parliament meet once a year?” he asked. 

Nkokhelo Msomi, a National Freedom Party (NFP) member, said the world is changing at a fast rate with technology, climate change, and a global shift in economies, and yet South African education and training institutes remain stuck in the past.

He stated that the bridge to the future must be built on three strong pillars: education, skills development, and entrepreneurship.

“This has left many of us, especially in rural areas, unemployed, underqualified, and overlooked. Education must evolve, and we need to learn what is relevant. Rural youth are leaving school with certificates that cannot connect them to the economy. We need clear guidance and digital literacy introduced from Grade 8 and more colleges in rural towns like Nongoma,” he said.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za