Photo: Werner Beukes/Sapa

A police officer tries to control a tense situation between an angry Cosatu crowd and Democratic Alliance supporters in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In an opinion research report released by TNS today, it was revealed that 77% of young South Africans support the implementation of the Youth Wage Subsidy.

On top of that, 66% of people older than 31 - those who would not directly benefit from the subsidy - also support the implementation of the policy.

The people have spoken clearly. A vast majority want the youth wage subsidy and they want it now.

Government's decision to delay the youth wage subsidy is therefore in effect putting the agenda of COSATU's leadership above the interests and will of a vast majority of South Africans.

This policy can benefit 423 000 young people in three years. We've got the money for it, Treasury's drawn up the plan and the people support it.

The time has come for government to do the right thing and put the interests of the people first.

Mmusi Maimane, DA National Spokesperson