The ANC must develop policies to improve the lives of the country's people, President Jacob Zuma said on Friday.
“We must emerge with policies that will take South Africa forward,” he said, referring to the ANC policy conference to be held at the end of the month.
He was delivering a memorial lecture on former ANC president Alfred Xuma in Johannesburg. He said Xuma laid a foundation for the ANC's policies.
“His directive was provision for all state pensions, and disability grants. He wanted mid-day meals for children at school.”
Education was the key component to taking the country forward.
“We talk about education in the Freedom Charter. The door was closed then. Now the doors are open,” he said.
“We want every young person in school, we want them in university or FET (further education and training) colleges.”
He said the youth needed to play a meaningful role in the country's economy.
“We must give the opportunity to empower the youth to take the country forward.”
Education loans had increased to R5.5 billion from R3.3 billion, and R15 billion had been set aside for students to enrol at FET colleges, he said. - Sapa