Youth must be central to South Africa’s economic future
He acknowledged that many young South Africans continue to struggle with unemployment despite efforts to expand training and work opportunities.
The President has called on South Africa to prioritise young people as the country marks the eve of Youth Day, reflecting on the legacy of the 1976 generation and the ongoing challenges facing today’s youth.
In a statement, the President said the youth of 1976 “helped open the doors of freedom” by standing up against an unjust education system, adding that the current generation faces a different but equally urgent challenge: gaining access to opportunities in a constrained economy.
He acknowledged that many young South Africans continue to struggle with unemployment despite efforts to expand training and work opportunities, saying the gap between education and employment remains a pressing concern.
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“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,” the statement read.
The President said government is pursuing inclusive economic growth through infrastructure investment and reforms aimed at improving competitiveness, noting that R890 billion in new investment pledges had been secured over the past year.
However, he cautioned that job creation from economic growth will take time to materialise, stressing the importance of short-term interventions to support young people.
Among these is the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has generated more than 2.5 million work and livelihood opportunities since its launch during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 80% of participants are young people, with two-thirds being women.
The President highlighted the Basic Education Employment Initiative, which placed 200,000 young people in schools across the country last year, and the Social Employment Fund, which provides part-time work in community-based programmes.
He also pointed to the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, which has enabled more than 5.7 million young people to access job search platforms, and facilitated over 2.3 million earning opportunities.
The revitalised National Youth Service has placed more than 132,000 young people in paid community service, while the Youth Employment Service continues to provide structured workplace experience in the private sector.
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A new model, the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund, was also highlighted, which only pays for training when young people secure real employment.
“Behind every one of these numbers is a young person whose dignity has been restored, whose confidence has been renewed and whose horizon has been broadened,” the statement said.
While acknowledging progress, the President said more work is needed and called on businesses, government departments and civil society to continue opening doors for young people.
“Your country sees your potential and will work with you to ensure that you realise it,” the statement concluded.