As South Africa prepares to commemorate Youth Day, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed government's commitment to tackling youth unemployment through economic reforms, infrastructure investment and targeted employment programmes.
In his weekly newsletter published on Monday, the President outlined several initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young people and supporting inclusive economic growth.
Government Investing In Growth And Job Creation
Ramaphosa said government is continuing with structural reforms and major infrastructure projects designed to improve the country's competitiveness and stimulate economic growth.
He also revealed that a second investment drive has secured R890 billion in new investment pledges over the past year. However, he acknowledged that economic growth takes time to translate into meaningful job opportunities.
“And even as the economy grows, young people may still find it difficult to participate in that growth. We know that for many young South Africans, the promise of democracy can feel distant when jobs are scarce, when opportunities seem out of reach and when qualifications do not always lead to employment.
“Many of you are working hard, applying for jobs, pursuing training and seeking opportunities, only to face disappointment. We hear these frustrations, and we understand that they are real,” Ramaphosa said.
Presidential Employment Stimulus Creates Millions Of Opportunities
The President highlighted several programmes that are helping young South Africans gain work experience, skills and income opportunities.
“One of our most successful programmes has been the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which was launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today, that stimulus has created in excess of 2.5 million work and livelihood opportunities. More than eight in ten of these opportunities have gone to young people, and two-thirds to women. It has enabled the most rapid expansion of public employment in our history,” Ramaphosa said.
According to the President, the programme has not only provided employment opportunities but has also delivered positive benefits to communities across the country.
Basic Education Employment Initiative Supports Schools And Youth
Ramaphosa pointed to the success of the Basic Education Employment Initiative, which last year placed 200,000 unemployed young people in schools across South Africa.
The participants provided support to nearly 22,000 schools, including those located in rural villages, townships, inner-city communities, farm schools and special needs classrooms.
“The programme is giving young people their first foothold in the world of work while strengthening the foundations of learning in the schools that need it most,” he said.
Social Employment Fund Offers Flexible Work Opportunities
The President also praised the Social Employment Fund, which creates part-time work opportunities for young people in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, food security, environmental projects and community safety.
“Because it is part-time, participants get regular and predictable income while spending the rest of their time looking for work, exploring business opportunities or improving their skills.
“Alongside these public and social employment programmes, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention is steadily dismantling the barriers that keep young people locked out of the labour market,” the President said.
SA Youth Platform Connecting Millions To Opportunities
Ramaphosa highlighted the role of the SA Youth online platform in helping young people access employment and learning opportunities.
More than 5.7 million young people are registered on the platform, which helps users overcome common challenges such as transport and data costs. To date, the intervention has facilitated access to more than 2.3 million earning opportunities.
The revitalised National Youth Service has also provided over 132,000 young people with paid service opportunities within their communities.
“These are young people learning the dignity of work while giving back to the society that raised them. The Youth Employment Service, which is a business initiative, places young people in quality year-long work experience opportunities in companies across the country.
“We are also pioneering smarter ways of spending training funds. The Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund pays for training for young people only when they are placed in a real, quality job. It is a model that demands results,” the President said.
Youth Employment Programmes Building Pathways To Long-Term Success
The President stressed that behind every employment statistic is a young person whose life has been positively impacted.
“Although these opportunities are mostly short-term, there are thousands of stories of young people who have used them as a stepping stone towards finding a permanent job, starting a small business or studying towards a new career.
“The value of these opportunities can be measured not merely by what young people earn while they’re in the programme, but by what they leave with: skills, experience, self-esteem and a sense of purpose,” Ramaphosa said.
Call For Collective Action To Tackle Youth Unemployment
While recognising the progress made, Ramaphosa acknowledged that South Africa still faces significant challenges in reducing youth unemployment.
He called on businesses, government departments, organisations and citizens to work together to create opportunities for young people.
“Every company, every department, every organisation and every South African who can open a door for a young person must do so. Your country sees your potential and will work with you to ensure that you realise it.
“Let us together build a South Africa in which every young person finds their place in an inclusive economy and in a thriving society,” the President concluded.
