Tag: youth unemployment

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but understanding is scarce. The challenge lies in a lack of context, capacity and people who know how to use AI not just to create content, but to create impact. This is central to supporting Africa’s creative boom.

The Skills Development component of B-BBEE scorecards has created a large and robust training industry. However, while many organisations deliver quality learnerships and skills programmes, an alarming number exploit the system and the corporate sponsors of learnerships. The consequences extend far beyond financial loss.

Across South Africa, public service teams work tirelessly to meet citizens' needs. They often operate under immense pressure and in difficult conditions. While meaningful progress has been made in modernising service delivery, many citizens still face long waits and paperwork when applying for essential services like Smart IDs or clinic-based healthcare. These moments present an opportunity to do more.

South Africa’s unemployment figures are not abstract statistics. They are the lived reality of millions of parents unable to provide, of young people whose talents lie dormant, and of communities yearning for hope. We must move beyond analysis to action.

In South Africa, youth unemployment is a serious problem. Currently, 49.9 percent of young people are without work. This is deeply concerning, especially considering that the youth are the future of our economy. As much as we need the government and private sector to support young people, we also have the power to drive change ourselves.

Africa is urbanising rapidly. According to Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics 2025 OECD report, our cities will house 1.4 billion people by 2050 – twice today’s number. But this growth is happening in cities that lack the financial power to shape their own futures. Most African cities struggle to raise revenue, borrow money or spend capital at scale.

Young people are struggling to find jobs. At the same time, businesses can’t get the skills they need to grow. That’s why technology education is being pushed out of academic siloes to support young talent and help them access world-class, practical and hands-on training.

South Africa’s youth unemployment rate stands at an alarming 44.6% for individuals aged 15-34. This sobering statistic reflects challenges such as limited work experience, educational gaps and economic hurdles.

What are the actual job prospects for young South Africans once they have matriculated? To what extent are recent matriculants finding jobs or transitioning into post-school education and training (PSET) opportunities? These are the critical questions explored in a new report titled “School completion, the matric and post-school transitions in South Africa”.

With increasing alacrity, businesses must recognise the crucial need to transform their organisational structures. This is necessary to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape. However, it’s equally important for organisations to consider the associated risks. This will ensure long-term resilience.