Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has called for a data-driven and evidence-based approach to addressing South Africa's youth unemployment crisis, saying the country must move beyond discussing the problem and focus on solutions that deliver results.
Godongwana made the remarks at the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) Public Economics Conference, held under the theme "Counting the Crisis: Data, Evidence and Solutions for Youth Unemployment in South Africa."
Youth Unemployment Requires Evidence-Based Solutions
Addressing delegates at the conference, the Minister said the event's theme highlights the importance of understanding the scale of the youth unemployment crisis while using reliable data to develop effective interventions.
“The focus of the conference also reminds us of three important things.
“First, that we must be honest about the scale of the crisis. Second, that we must pursue a holistic understanding of the challenge of unemployment. Meaning that the figures must be held in the same breath as the people and lives behind them.
“Thirdly, the theme compels us to move beyond describing the problem and expressing our concern to evidence, to implementing solutions-driven evidence,” Godongwana said.
Youth Unemployment Remains A Major Challenge
Referring to Statistics South Africa's Quarterly Labour Force Survey released in May, the Minister described South Africa's youth unemployment figures as "stark".
The latest data shows that:
- The unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 stands at 60.9%.
- The unemployment rate for those aged 25 to 34 is 40.6%.
Godongwana stressed that while these statistics highlight the severity of the crisis, they should also help shape better policy decisions.
“We must, however, be careful. Data should not produce fatalism. Data must produce better decisions. If we count the crisis only to repeat how serious it is, then we have not done enough.
“We must count what works, what does not work, who is being reached, who is being missed, what the fiscal cost is, what can be scaled, and what should be redesigned,” Godongwana said.
Economic Growth And Reform Needed To Create Jobs
The Finance Minister said reducing youth unemployment will require a faster-growing and more inclusive economy supported by structural reforms and capable public institutions.
“But growth will not happen by itself. It requires reform. Reform requires implementation. Implementation requires capable institutions.
“And capable institutions require credible public finances, good data, accountability and discipline,” the Minister said.
Minister Challenges Young People To Help Find Solutions
Godongwana encouraged young people attending the conference to think critically and challenge conventional thinking instead of accepting simple answers.
“You are not here only to listen to older people discuss your future. You are here because South Africa needs your intellect, your discipline and your honesty.
“We need young economists, data scientists, public managers, social scientists, engineers, researchers and practitioners who can combine empathy with evidence. We need people who can look at a spreadsheet and still see a human being.
“[Continue] to ask hard questions. Ask what works. Ask who benefits. Question what the trade-offs are, and what the evidence is saying. Ask what must change in the state, in firms, in universities, in communities, and in the way we use public money,” the Minister urged.
He also called on young South Africans to become part of the solution by developing practical ideas to tackle unemployment and other socio-economic challenges.
“South Africa needs a generation that can move from critiquing the situation to providing the solutions.
“The same message goes to all of the other participants. The public servants, business leaders and civil society partners. Use this platform to forge a way genuine forward,” Godongwana said.
