Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi has sparked national debate after calling on Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane to urgently introduce a graduate unemployment grant. Speaking passionately in Parliament, Lonzi highlighted the growing crisis of educated yet unemployed youth in South Africa, many of whom are unable to access job opportunities due to the high costs of job hunting.
He pointed out that despite holding degrees and diplomas, countless young South Africans remain locked out of the labour market, not because of a lack of skills, but because of financial obstacles like transport costs, data expenses, and application fees. Lonzi argued that a state-backed grant would offer immediate relief and empower graduates to pursue employment without being punished by poverty.
The proposal adds fuel to the ongoing national conversation around youth unemployment, and places pressure on the Department of Higher Education to consider more radical interventions to bridge the gap between graduation and gainful employment. Whether the call gains traction remains to be seen, but Lonzi’s remarks have already stirred significant public interest and debate.
