Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President Velenkosini Hlabisa has issued a stern warning to the party’s youth members, cautioning that South Africa risks being “dominated by foreigners” if young people fail to prioritize education and curb excessive drinking. Speaking at an IFP Youth Brigade event in [location], Hlabisa emphasized education as a critical tool for securing the nation’s future.
Hlabisa expressed alarm over the growing trend of substance abuse and neglect of academics among the country’s youth. “Our young people will one day wake up to discover that foreigners are running our country if they continue to spend their time drinking and neglect their studies,” he warned. He highlighted the transformative power of education, urging the youth to build a generation that is both knowledgeable and empowered to lead South Africa forward.
Hlabisa’s remarks come at a time when South Africa is grappling with significant challenges, including youth unemployment and a struggling education system. Over 60% of South Africans aged 15 to 24 are unemployed, with many lacking access to quality education and job opportunities.
In his speech, Hlabisa also criticized the government for its failure to address structural issues in the education sector, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient resources in rural areas. He called on young people to take charge of their futures by prioritizing education and personal responsibility, stating, “We cannot afford to lose an entire generation to inactivity and dependency.”
Hlabisa’s comments have sparked mixed reactions. Supporters praise his candid approach to addressing youth-related issues, viewing it as a rallying cry for young South Africans to focus on education and self-improvement. Critics, however, accuse him of scapegoating foreign nationals and diverting attention from systemic failures.
The IFP has long advocated for improved education policies and youth empowerment initiatives, making these issues central to its political agenda. Hlabisa’s recent statements reaffirm the party’s commitment to fostering an educated and self-reliant youth population capable of driving South Africa’s progress.
As debates around his remarks continue, they underscore the pressing need for solutions to the intertwined challenges of education, unemployment, and youth development in South Africa.