Future of Jobs Summit aims to tackle youth unemployment in South Africa
Organised by a coalition of technology leaders, including SAP, Adcorp, DP World, Workday, and FNB, the summit seeks to unite the country's most influential minds in both the public and private sectors.
Future of Jobs Summit founder, Nik Eberl, emphasises that this initiative transcends mere discussion.
'It is not another policy talk shop; it is a high-impact platform for action and alignment,' he states, underscoring the urgency of collective efforts to tackle the pressing issue of youth unemployment.
Eberl believes that 'youth unemployment is the greatest threat to our democracy and the greatest opportunity to unlock national prosperity.'
Central to the summit's agenda is the unveiling of innovative strategies and programs designed to attract, develop, and retain top talent.
SAP will take the spotlight with its acclaimed Educate to Employ and Young Professionals Programmes, aimed at equipping thousands of African youths with vital digital skills and pathways to meaningful careers.
'These initiatives are helping to create an inclusive talent pipeline that fuels both local innovation and international competitiveness,' Eberl explains.
The summit is an official event under the T20 framework, the Think Tank of South Africa's G20 Presidency, reinforcing its alignment with the global agenda for inclusive growth, skills development, and job creation for the youth.
With the outcomes report set to be presented to key stakeholders, including the Office of the Presidency and Parliament of South Africa, the summit aims to foster robust public-private partnerships.
Further addressing the overarching theme of inclusivity, the initiative will spotlight South Africa's thriving Global Business Services (GBS) sector.
This sector is lauded as a success story in job creation, having already generated over 150,000 youth jobs and targeting an impressive 500 000 jobs by 2030 with strong support from government and global investors.
'GBS illustrates the potential that thrives when government, business, and skills providers align around a shared goal.
We must now apply that same formula across high-growth sectors from tech and tourism to renewable energy and the care economy,' Eberl urges.
As the summit approaches, anticipation builds around its potential to create scalable solutions and partnerships that can turn the tide on South Africa's high unemployment rate.
With a firm focus on youth employment and digital skills development, the Future of Jobs Summit stands as a beacon of hope in the ongoing effort to build a more resilient and inclusive workforce. Scheduled for May 23, 2025, the summit is set to bring together leaders from government, business, and civil society to address South Africa's unemployment crisis with actionable strategies and innovative partnerships.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
14 hours ago
- The South African
SAHRC takes action against Gayton's K-word tweets
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has issued a statement on Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie's old tweets, which included racial slurs like the K-word. The organisation also addressed the Patriotic Alliance leader's xenophobic comments against African foreign nationals. In the statement issued on Friday, 15 August, the SAHRC revealed that it had formally opened an investigation into Gayton McKenzie's old tweets after receiving several complaints from political parties and the public. It found that the minister had violated the Equity Act and had sent a letter of allegations informing of such. The commission pledged to navigate the way forward, which includes instituting proceedings at the Equality Court. It stated: 'The commission wishes to remind members of the public that the right ot freedom of expression is not absolute. Hate speech is prohibited in terms of the Equality Act and the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act. 'Given his position, Minister McKenzie's conduct is expected to confirm ethical standards that is becoming of a minister and member of parliament. Gayton McKenzie's K-word tweets cannot be probed by a parliamentary ethics committee. Images via X 'The commission calls on everyone in the country to uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution, including human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.' Meanwhile, Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo stated that an ethics committee could not probe Gayton McKenzie's old tweets from 2013 – 2017 as he was not an MP at the time. He said: 'In terms of Item 4(2)(a) of the code, read with Item 4(3)(f), conduct committed before a person becomes an MP does not fall within the scope of the code. 'Accordingly, no complaint has been opened by the registrar, and both parties were informed of this in writing earlier today. There is, therefore, no competent complaint before the ethics committee.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15 hours ago
- The South African
Palesa Matjekane leads groundbreaking 'Miss Polo Universe Africa'
South Africa has officially launched the Miss Polo Universe Africa 2025 pageant. This marks it as a historic moment for women's empowerment and diplomacy. The pageant breaks the mould of traditional beauty contests. It is designed to crown South African women as leaders, ambassadors, and change-makers across culture and commerce. The theme, 'Crown Your Purpose,' reflects the pageant's clear mission. It aims to open doors for women to engage in high-stakes diplomacy and economic development. This initiative aligns perfectly with South Africa's broader role on the African continent and the world stage. A key highlight of the event is its exclusive partnership with the Royal Family of Dubai, led by visionary Ms Zainan Al Taher. This unprecedented royal backing creates a direct bridge between South African contestants and the Middle East. Miss Polo Universe Africa participants will gain access to powerful networks involving trade, investment, and international mentorship. This link promises a wealth of opportunities for cultural exchange and business growth worth millions of rands. Palesa Matjekane, former Mrs South Africa and current CEO of Miss Polo Universe Africa, spoke passionately about the initiative. 'We're not crowning beauty queens, we're launching South African ambassadors in trade and culture. This pageant is foreign policy in action.' Matjekane's impressive background includes recognition from the Malala Fund and international humanitarian awards. This testifies to her commitment to social impact and leadership. The competition opens for applications from 15 to 23 August, according to Buzz Life News. THE PAGEANT PROCESS FOR MISS POLO UNIVERSE AFRICA Women aged 18 to 40 years can apply, a wider range than typical pageants. The investment per finalist is estimated at over R500,000. This will cover international travel, training, wardrobe, and accommodation. The process begins with virtual auditions from 24 to 31 August, ensuring no geographical barriers. The top 10 finalists will then attend an intensive bootcamp in Johannesburg in early September. Here, they will receive diplomatic training, entrepreneurship masterclasses led by UAE business leaders, media coaching, and support to develop social impact projects. Three winners will be crowned in October 2025. They will then fly to Dubai in November for the global Miss Polo Universe finale. They will represent South Africa on an international stage broadcast across Africa and the Middle East. This pageant signals a new era, where young South African women claim their place as global movers and shakers. It combines beauty with brains, leadership, and purpose—qualities that resonate strongly with the nation's ambition and spirit. ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA'S NEW MISS POLO UNIVERSE AFRICA PAGEANT? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
16 hours ago
- IOL News
Nedbank sells R1. 8bn Ecobank stake to Bosquet Investments
Nedbank announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its 21.2% shareholding in Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) to Bosquet Investments for a purchase consideration of $100 million (R1.8 billion). Bosquet Investments is the private investment vehicle of Alain Nkontchou, the managing partner and co-founder of Enko Capital Management. This follows the bank's strategic review of the group's financial investment ETI, which as from June 30, 2025, was classified as non-current asset held for sale in terms of IFRS 5. Nedbank Group CEO Jason Quinn said the bank was pleased to have reached this milestone following the board's approval to dispose of the asset. He said, 'Nedbank's decision to sell its ETI investment follows a detailed evaluation of the strategic alignment, financial performance, and long-term value proposition of the investment and is consistent with Nedbank's ongoing efforts to optimise its capital allocation and focus on core growth areas. This marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Nedbank's journey with ETI spanning many years. "We wish to express our gratitude for the professionalism and integrity with which the board of directors of ETI has consistently conducted its affairs, and for the constructive engagement that has underpinned our relationship. The ETI board's stewardship has played a pivotal role in navigating ETI through complex environments and in advancing its pan-African mandate.' Quinn said the sale represents a reset of Nedbank's strategy on the rest of the African continent with a clear focus on the SADC and East Africa regions in businesses Nedbank owns and controls, and areas where it can play to our strengths. The proposed disposal is subject to the receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals in the relevant jurisdictions only. There are no other conditions precedent. Bosquet Investments has provided appropriate security to evidence the funding for the purchase consideration. It is currently expected that the proposed disposal will be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2025.
