Youth unemployment in South Africa has become a critical concern, and Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has declared that the Government of National Unity (GNU) faces a monumental task: creating sustainable employment opportunities for the country’s youth. Speaking during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s engagement with beneficiaries of the Presidential Youth Programmes in the Tshwane region of Gauteng, Gwarube expressed deep concern over the persistent joblessness affecting educated young people.
Reality of Unemployment: A Generation in Waiting
Gwarube did not hold back. She highlighted how heartbreaking it is to see young South Africans, many of whom hold degrees and diplomas, unable to find suitable employment. Instead, many are left applying for short-term or entry-level positions such as educator assistants, jobs that were not designed for long-term careers.
“It’s heartbreaking and that is the reality of our unemployment crisis in SA. There are people who are educated, who find themselves applying just to be educators’ assistants. It’s heartbreaking because those people should be in full-time employment,” said Gwarube.
The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention Programme has been hailed as a temporary solution. It offers young people six-month work placements, providing exposure and skill development. But Gwarube emphasized that while these opportunities are valuable, they are not a permanent fix.
Understanding the Roots of the Youth Unemployment Crisis
According to Statistics South Africa, over 7 out of every 10 young people are currently unemployed. This staggering number is not only a social issue but also an economic and political challenge that threatens national development and cohesion.
Many factors contribute to this crisis:
- Mismatch between education and labor market demands
- Lack of access to internships and work experience
- Structural issues in the economy that limit new job creation
- Insufficient support for entrepreneurship
- Limited digital and technological skills
Gwarube’s Vision: From Short-Term Relief to Long-Term Reform
Minister Gwarube believes that the role of the seventh administration should not be just to “celebrate short-term success stories,” but to implement structural reforms that will provide permanent solutions for youth employment. The emphasis must shift from temporary placements to long-term, skill-based employment strategies.
“We celebrate this opportunity for young people to be able to be upskilled and be in places of work for six months. But ultimately this is not the permanent solution. We must ensure young people find meaningful, long-term employment,” she added.
Presidential Youth Employment Intervention Programme: A Critical Step
The intervention program includes several key components designed to reduce youth unemployment:
- Work readiness training for unemployed youth
- Placement in public and private sector internships
- Mentorship and career guidance
- Support for self-employment initiatives
- Integration with digital platforms for job matching
Learn more about the Presidential initiative on the SA Youth Portal.
Private Sector Partnerships and Innovation
Gwarube also called on private sector partners to collaborate with government in order to expand opportunities for South Africa’s youth. Digital transformation, green energy, and infrastructure development were cited as high-potential sectors for youth employment growth.
The Role of Education in Empowering Youth
With education under her portfolio, Gwarube stressed the need for curricula to be more aligned with real-world demands. The current Basic Education system must evolve to incorporate entrepreneurship, coding, artificial intelligence, and vocational training early in the school cycle.
“We must ensure our learners graduate with both academic knowledge and practical skills. This dual approach is essential to bridging the gap between education and employment,” she stated.
Youth Voices: Real Stories from Tshwane
During the policy dialogue, several youth beneficiaries shared their stories of transformation through the Presidential Youth Programmes. From gaining digital skills to working in community development roles, the stories reflect resilience and hope—but also a shared desire for lasting opportunities.
“I worked as an assistant teacher for six months. It gave me hope, but I still need a job where I can build a future,” said one participant.
The Seventh Administration’s Pledge to the Youth
As the new administration takes shape, Gwarube reaffirmed the GNU’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment as a national emergency. Policy makers must move swiftly to expand economic access, support local businesses, and remove barriers to job entry.
“That seven out of 10 young people are without work today is an indictment. We have to work harder as the seventh administration to create jobs and permanent employment,” Gwarube concluded.
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This post by sabcnews.com
