Statistic South Africa released the latest national unemployment figures today saying the first-quarter unemployment rate rose by 0.8 of a percentage point to 32.9% from 32.1% in the fourth quarter.

The question we are asking tonight is; how do we bring more young people into the mainstream economy especially those in the townships.

Guest: Bulelani Balabala, Founder: Township Entrepreneurs Alliance.

• Surprised by these new figures?
• The issue of youth unemployment, how critical is it for these upcoming elections?
• Even political party promises to address it, but why is it stubborn?
• Our education and skills - what role do they play in driving unemployment
• As an expert on township economy, how do we bring unemployed people in the township into the mainstream economy?
• Young people in the township sometime believe there are no opportunities?
• When we think of township economy, sometime we only think of spaza shops. Can you break it down for us?
• The National Development Plan would like to see about 11 million jobs created by small businesses by 2030 - do you see that happening?
• What intervention do we need?