Tag: WorkforceDevelopment

Skills development planning is no longer viewed as an administrative compliance exercise under South Africa's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework. Companies must now demonstrate clear alignment between training initiatives and measurable transformation outcomes. Skills development remains a priority element of the B-BBEE scorecard.

Two remarkable economic turnarounds demonstrate what becomes possible when countries support the right sectors, develop relevant skills and strengthen cooperation between government and business. We exist to create genuine and lasting economic opportunities for young South Africans. We constantly evaluate where we invest, what we support and why those decisions matter.

South Africa's hospitality sector faces a paradox. Guests have returned, occupancy rates are recovering, and travel demand has regained strong momentum. According to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, South Africa welcomed 10.485 million international visitors in 2025. This marked a historic record and surpassed pre-pandemic figures.

Tanzania and Uganda have reached an important stage in their economic development. Infrastructure investment and digital transformation are now beginning to converge across both countries. At the same time, both nations continue expanding physical infrastructure, such as energy and transport networks, while prioritising digital connectivity and services.

Zambia’s mining sector is once again in the global spotlight. The Lumwana Mine stands at the forefront of the country’s renewed push to expand copper production and drive economic growth. This momentum reflects the broader Zambia mining expansion strategy.

Hospitality has always welcomed guests effectively. However, an important question remains. Are we equally good at welcoming young people into lasting, meaningful careers? South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is well-documented. Hospitality should play a stronger role in changing that story. The sector can offer first jobs, skills, confidence and exposure to the world.

In the early days of any startup, growth often comes from sheer determination, boundless creativity and relentless hustle. Founders and their small teams wear multiple hats, juggling product development, marketing, customer service and operations all at once. However, as businesses scale, what got them to their current stage may no longer be sufficient or effective for the next phase.

The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) from Stats SA shows South Africa’s unemployment rate increased by 1.7% from Q1 of 2025. It now stands at 33.2% for Q2. This may not seem like a large jump, but it translates to 140,000 people. Even a slight rise in unemployment, therefore, has a real impact.