We, the Forgotten Generation of South Africa, hereby declare:

Our future is being stolen. We are a generation of talented, educated, and ambitious young people systematically locked out of the economy by a system riddled with cronyism, corruption, and a profound lack of political will. We face an unemployment crisis of catastrophic proportions, a cost-of-living crisis that makes basic survival a struggle, and a future that seems deliberately designed to exclude us.

The courage of whistleblowers like General Mkhwanazi has confirmed what we already knew: that the very institutions meant to serve us are often compromised, protecting the interests of a connected few over the needs of the many. This culture of corruption is the primary driver of our economic exclusion.

We will no longer be silent. We are the backbone and the future of this nation, and we demand a seat at the table.

Our Core Demand: Youth Economic Inclusion

We demand the immediate adoption and implementation of a National Youth Economic Inclusion Pact, with specific, measurable, and time-bound targets to dismantle the structural barriers that prevent our participation in the economy.

Our Demands for the Pact Include:

• A Mass Youth Employment Initiative: A real, large-scale public works and private-sector incentive program that creates millions of sustainable jobs, not temporary make-work schemes.
• Support for Youth-Led Enterprise: Radical reform of funding models (including grants, low-interest loans, and streamlined venture capital access) specifically for youth-owned SMMEs, not just endless promises.
• An End to Experience Gatekeeping: Legislation and incentives to abolish the "5-10 years experience" requirement for entry-level positions and invest in meaningful, paid internships and apprenticeships.
• Transparency in Public Procurement: A publicly accessible portal showing all government tenders, with a mandatory 40% quota for youth-owned businesses that is actively enforced.

A Call to Action: Our Series of Peaceful Protests for Inclusion
The #ReclaimSA movement, led by the youth of South Africa, is launching a sustained, peaceful campaign to demand our economic future.

1. THE UPRISING BEGINS: NATIONAL DAYS OF PROTEST
24th & 25th of September 2025
We will march in every major city and town. This is our opening statement—a powerful, unified display of our collective frustration and our determination for change. We will present our detailed memorandum for the National Youth Economic Inclusion Pact.
>> READ THE OFFICIAL MEMORANDUM FOR SEPTEMBER 24 & 25 HERE.

2. THE PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY: SOLIDARITY & ACCOUNTABILITY
17th of October 2025

Our movement now turns its focus to the local level, where the failures of national policy directly impact our daily lives. Our protest is a powerful tool to amplify our concrete demands for a city that serves its people, not the powerful.

On this day, we will march in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, to present a detailed memorandum of non-negotiable demands directly to the Mayor's office. This action targets the municipal competencies that most critically affect the youth of Johannesburg.

This march is a direct challenge to the city's leadership to either act on these urgent priorities or be held accountable for their failure to do so.

>> READ THE FULL OFFICIAL DEMANDS TO BE HANDED TO THE MAYOR HERE.

We Stand for Peace, We Demand Protection

We are committed to peaceful protest. However, we are deeply aware of the state's history of violent responses to legitimate dissent. We therefore simultaneously demand that the Security Cluster (Police, Defence, and Justice) publicly commit to:

Protecting our constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Condemning any and all incitements to violence against protesters.
Prioritising de-escalation and the protection of human life above all else.
By signing this petition, you:

Endorse the National Youth Economic Inclusion Pact and its core demands.

• Declare your intent to join the peaceful National Days of Protest on the 24th & 25th of September 2025.
• Pledge your support for the escalated People's Assembly on the 17th of October 2025 if the government fails to respond meaningfully.
• Stand in solidarity with a generation demanding its rightful place in the South African economy.

Our goal is a South Africa that works for all its people, starting with its youth. We will protest peacefully but relentlessly until our voices are heard, our potential is unlocked, and our future is reclaimed.

Add your name to demand youth economic inclusion now!