A survey conducted by consumer insights company Pondering Panda among young Saffas between 18 and 34 on the idea of government subsidising the wages of young people, suggests that 74% felt this was a good idea. Only 14% felt it was a bad idea and 12% were unsure. There were no significant differences of opinion across age, gender or race groups.
Respondents showed even more support for the DA’s proposal of direct subsidies to help young adults start their own business, get a better education, or improve their skills. 85% of young people felt this was a good idea. Opinion on this question was also consistent across demographic groups.
In addition to supporting the DA’s proposals, respondents were critical of the government’s efforts to help young people get jobs. The survey found that 79% felt the government should be doing more, compared to 15% who thought that the government was doing enough. Respondents’ opinion on this question was consistent across age, gender and race groups.
The majority of young people were also found to be in agreement with the DA’s assertion that South Africa’s basic education system was failing, and thereby hampering job growth. 70% of respondents agreed that South Africa’s education system was bad, compared to 23% who disagreed. Young black South Africans were less likely to agree than other race groups. 68% of blacks felt this way, compared to 78% of coloureds and 82% of whites. There were no significant differences of opinion across age or gender groups.
