Latest news with #PresidentialYouthEmploymentIntervention
The Citizen
12-08-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Atteridgeville schools equipped with new science labs
Four schools from Atteridgeville now boast new science laboratories. These include Bokgoni Technical Secondary School, Hofmeyr High School, Edward Phatudi Comprehensive School, and Seaparankwe Primary School. This is through the hands of the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, alongside the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who recently handed over the facilities to the school management and learners. The School Science Lab Handover Programme took place on August 7 and was a collaborative initiative between the Department of Electricity and Energy and private sector partners. The initiative seeks to improve the quality of science education in township schools by providing essential infrastructure to foster problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation among learners. The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) and tech company Huawei donated equipment and technology. Ramokgopa described the day's events as a remarkable commitment to growing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects among township schools. 'We reaffirmed the place of STEM as subjects that will undergird human advancement and inclusive development. We reasserted the inalienable right of the black, township and opportunity-deprived children to fully participate in the future we desire and construct,' Ramokgopa said. 'These learners will not imagine a science experiment; they will perform it in their own lab with the aid of modern technology. They are likely to get it wrong the first time, and this will drive them to keep on trying until they get it right. It is the fail-fail-succeed continuum that will enhance their chances of academic progression and possibly land them distinctions,' the minister said. The minister thanked their partners, Huawei, Avon/Didisa, and NECSA for making the project possible. 'Education is fun, it is fashionable, it is an unending enterprise,' Ramokgopa said. Mhlauli said the donation goes beyond the bricks, mortar, and equipment as it is about opportunity, empowerment and preparing the youth to thrive in the economy of tomorrow. 'As the Presidency, we view this initiative as part of a broader commitment to building an inclusive, skilled and future-ready generation. This science lab handover speaks directly to the goals of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and the broader National Development Plan,' Mhlaudi said. 'We know that a lack of foundational infrastructure in schools, particularly in the sciences and technology, holds back many young people from fully participating in our evolving economy. That is why we support and welcome this partnership,' she said. The deputy minister in the Presidency said the initiative reflects the collaborative spirit needed to cultivate growth, asserting that the government cannot transform education alone. She called on the private sector, civil society and public institutions to come together to create a lasting impact in communities that need it most. 'Through the PYEI, the Presidency has championed programmes that link learning to earning. We also recognise that our work starts in the classroom. It begins by creating environments where learners are inspired, equipped and supported to dream and succeed. Initiatives like this one strengthen that foundation,' Mhlauli said. ' The metro's MMC for Roads and Transport Tlangi Mogale expressed her appreciation for private entities coming on board. 'These science labs will empower our students with the tools and resources they need to excel in the sciences, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Science education is not just about textbooks and theory; it's about hands-on experience, discovery, and innovation,' Mogale said. She also thanked the minister for the donation. Watch here: Good morning Tshwane, and our people especially in Pheli😊. This is Surprise, a grade 11 learner from Atteridgivile and he wants to pursue a career in Nuclear Physics. I believe in his dream and listening to him I knew he had it in him. ❤️ — Tlangi Mogale: CoT MMC for Roads&Transport 🇿🇦 (@tlangimich) August 11, 2025 Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
Daily Maverick
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Mashatile declares South Africa's youth unemployment crisis a ‘moral emergency'
Forty-nine years after the youth of 1976 fought against the apartheid regime, the young people of today face a starkly different but equally urgent crisis: crippling unemployment. Deputy President Paul Mashatile labelled the situation a 'moral emergency', equating the historical fight for quality education with the modern struggle for economic access. Exactly 49 years ago, Soweto came to a standstill when the students of 1976 took to the streets to oppose the apartheid regime's plan to introduce Afrikaans as the medium of instruction for mathematics and science. The youth of 2025 may have starkly different struggles from the young people who shut down townships and laid down their lives in 1976, but they are dealing with their own crisis that has seen many take to the streets in protest – youth unemployment. In his keynote address at the Youth Day Commemoration in Potchefstroom on Monday, Deputy President Paul Mashatile labelled South Africa's crippling youth unemployment a moral emergency. The latest employment figures released by Statistics SA paint a dire picture of the country's labour market. The economy shed 300,000 jobs and youth unemployment soared to 46.1%, meaning almost half of the young population (15 to 35) are locked out of the economy. 'This is more than just an economic issue. It is a moral emergency. It affects our whole society and demands urgent action from all sectors – government, business and communities at large. We must fix the structural challenges in our economy to address inequality and skills mismatch between education and what the job market needs,' Mashatile said. Taking to the stage at the North West University's Rag Farm Stadium in President Cyril Ramaphosa's stead, the deputy president equated the young people's fight in 1976 for quality education to the ongoing efforts to empower today's youth with skills for a changing world. Government's response Mashatile detailed the government's multipronged strategy to combat youth unemployment and promote economic participation. It involves aligning skills development with labour market demands, promoting youth entrepreneurship and unlocking financial support and funding for young business owners. On the skills development front, Mashatile said the government was collaborating with organisations like the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator to address the mismatch between skills and labour market demands. Additionally, the Human Resource Development Council is working to strengthen partnerships between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and employers. The deputy president also listed the government's wins so far. Key among them was the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, which has registered more than 4.7 million young people on its national network and secured more than 1.6 million earning opportunities. He also cited the success of the Social Employment Fund, which has created 140,000 jobs by supporting civil society organisations in initiatives related to health, education and food security. Looking to the future, Mashatile highlighted new initiatives designed to equip young South Africans with modern skills. He announced the recent launch of the South African National Service Institute in May 2024, which offers nationwide programmes in critical sectors such as artificial intelligence, coding, robotics and energy. This will be complemented by the Digital Economic Masterplan and the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy, which aim to promote youth participation in the digital economy. Closing his address, the Deputy President issued a call to action to all sectors of society. He urged the private sector to 'create opportunities by investing, hiring and supporting youth innovation'. In a direct message to the nation's youth, he urged them not to give up hope: 'Your voice, your ideas and your energy are the fuel that can rebuild this country.' DM
eNCA
16-06-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Mashatile describes SA's unemployment crisis as a 'moral emergency'
Potchefstroom – Deputy President Paul Mashatile has sounded the alarm on South Africa's deepening youth unemployment crisis, calling it a 'moral emergency' that must be urgently addressed. Speaking during the Youth Day official commemoration in Potchefstroom, North West, Mashatile honoured the legacy of the 1976 student uprisings. In the same breath, he warned that today's youth face a different kind of battle, characterised by high unemployment, inequality, and a lack of opportunities, especially in the digital world. Additionally, he noted with concern that 3.8 million young people are not in education, employment or training. He said this needs urgent action from all sectors, including the government, business and civil society. "We must fix the structural challenges in our economy to address inequality and skills mismatch between education and what the job market needs," Mashatile said. He also took the time to outline several government initiatives aimed at empowering the youth. They include entrepreneurship support and accelerating youth access to the job market through programmes such as the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and the recently launched South African National Service Institute (Sansi).
IOL News
14-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's youth unemployment crisis: Structural inequalities and urgent solutions
Organisations speak on how the system has failed the youth as many are left jobless and have to fend for themselves. Image: Freepik Youth unemployment in South Africa has surged to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 9.2 percentage point increase over the past decade. Oliver Meth, communications manager at Black Sash, said this is a national crisis. 'The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey revealing an expanded unemployment rate of 56.3% among youth aged 18–34 is a devastating indictment of the country's failure to secure the future of its young people. 'This figure is not only alarmingly high, it reflects chronic structural inequality, policy inaction, and a growing disconnect between the promises of democracy and the lived reality of many young South Africans.' Meth added: 'The government is failing its youth by underinvesting in inclusive economic development and failing to deliver on targeted, sustained, and accountable youth employment strategies. Initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention have been poorly coordinated, underfunded, and disconnected from grassroots realities. 'Moreover, there is insufficient political will to address corruption and inefficiency that diverts public funds from critical job-creation initiatives. The social grant system, while vital, is not being fully leveraged as a developmental tool for youth.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Siyabulela Monakali, spokesperson for advocacy group Ilitha Labantu, said the crisis reflects a 'structural lockout,' not a lack of education or ambition. 'This is not a skills gap. Even education no longer guarantees employment,' the organisation stated. 'Most of those affected are black youth from townships and rural areas, where access to opportunity remains severely limited.' The organisation added that many unemployed youth have matric, TVET qualifications, or university degrees but remain outside the formal job market. They argue that the education system continues to produce paper qualifications with little real-world value, particularly in under-resourced schools. According to the organisation, over half of young South Africans do not complete matric. Those who do often lack digital, critical thinking, or entrepreneurial skills relevant to the modern economy. 'South Africa remains a country where your birthplace often determines your outcome,' said the organisation. 'Beyond the classroom, young people face a second layer of exclusion: limited access to mentorship, transport, the internet, and guidance on how to apply for jobs, bursaries, or skills programmes. 'Without these basics, even the best-intentioned policies remain out of reach for many. 'Without mentors, there is no one to show the way. Without training, there is no confidence to step forward. Without resources, the concept of 'opportunity' becomes abstract.' The youth of 2025 are facing several challenges, from high unemployment rates to substance abuse. Image: File Ilitha Labantu also criticised the private sector, saying most companies have failed to transform their leadership and are not doing enough to create pathways for youth. 'Corporate South Africa continues to hold the country at ransom. Most companies remain white-owned, with white-dominated leadership that bears no resemblance to the nation's demographics or aspirations.' The group said the most effective job creation sectors, care work, green energy, construction, agro-processing, digital services and creative industries, remain out of reach without proper investment and training infrastructure. 'There is high demand for skills in coding, solar installation, caregiving and data analysis, but access to this training is limited,' it said. It called for urgent improvements to TVET colleges, including updated curricula, reliable infrastructure, and stronger links to local employers. Ilitha Labantu drew a direct connection between unemployment and youth crime, particularly gang activity. In areas with few job prospects, gangs are often the only available source of income and belonging. 'It is easier to make R200 a day through crime than to spend six months applying for jobs that do not exist,' the group said. The fear and distrust of law enforcement were also raised. 'For many, fear of the police rivals fear of criminals,' the group stated, calling for trauma-informed policing and collaboration with social workers and NGOs. Long-term youth unemployment, they argue, is not just an economic issue, it is a threat to national stability. 'The longer we leave youth excluded, the more likely they will turn to alternatives that offer what the state has failed to: a sense of identity, control and power.' Abigail Moyo, spokesperson for the trade union United Association of South Africa (UASA), also raised concerns about exclusion in government policy discussions. Responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent National Dialogue initiative, Moyo asked: 'Where are the young people who face the daily challenges of unemployment and inequality? We want to see the young unemployed youth contributing to these dialogues.' She called for the establishment of forums that include graduates and job seekers, saying the most practical solutions often come from those directly affected. Meanwhile, employment platform Lulaway's CEO Jake Willis said South Africa is confronting 'a national emergency that threatens the future of an entire generation'. Lulaway has connected thousands of young job seekers to employers through a mix of technology, work readiness training, and mentorship. Business Partners Limited, a major financier of small businesses, said the country's future may lie in youth-led entrepreneurship. Area Manager Lawrance Ramotala said SMEs are playing a critical role in creating jobs, transferring skills, and mentoring first-time entrepreneurs. 'In many cases, SMEs are the first to take a chance on young people,' he said. 'What we're seeing is a groundswell of youth entrepreneurship rooted in community enterprise.' Ramotala said young entrepreneurs are not just surviving, but building businesses that tackle social issues, from education to mental health. But he warned that without support, these efforts are at risk. 'It's not enough to encourage youth to start businesses. They need support to stay the course, particularly in the early stages when failures can be discouraging and resources are limited.' He added that many young business owners are creating peer-to-peer support systems that go beyond what large companies can offer, using their platforms to share opportunities, funding, and mentorship. 'If we want to build a more inclusive, sustainable economy, we must invest in our youth, not just as jobseekers but as job creators. By backing youth entrepreneurship, we're not only building businesses, we're building futures.' Cape Argus
IOL News
14-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tackling the youth unemployment crisis in South Africa
Organisations speak on how the system has failed the youth as many are left jobless and have to fend for themselves. Image: File As youth unemployment rises to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025, a 9.2% point increase over the past decade, organisations working with young people warn that a generation is being systematically excluded from the economy, despite meeting educational requirements. Oliver Meth, communications manager at Black Sash, said this is a national crisis. 'The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey revealing an expanded unemployment rate of 56.3% among youth aged 18–34 is a devastating indictment of the country's failure to secure the future of its young people. 'This figure is not only alarmingly high, it reflects chronic structural inequality, policy inaction, and a growing disconnect between the promises of democracy and the lived reality of many young South Africans.' Meth added: 'The government is failing its youth by underinvesting in inclusive economic development and failing to deliver on targeted, sustained, and accountable youth employment strategies. Initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention have been poorly coordinated, underfunded, and disconnected from grassroots realities. 'Moreover, there is insufficient political will to address corruption and inefficiency that diverts public funds from critical job-creation initiatives. The social grant system, while vital, is not being fully leveraged as a developmental tool for youth.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Siyabulela Monakali, spokesperson for advocacy group Ilitha Labantu, said the crisis reflects a 'structural lockout,' not a lack of education or ambition. 'This is not a skills gap. Even education no longer guarantees employment,' the organisation stated. 'Most of those affected are black youth from townships and rural areas, where access to opportunity remains severely limited.' The organisation added that many unemployed youth have matric, TVET qualifications, or university degrees but remain outside the formal job market. They argue that the education system continues to produce paper qualifications with little real-world value, particularly in under-resourced schools. According to the organisation, over half of young South Africans do not complete matric. Those who do often lack digital, critical thinking, or entrepreneurial skills relevant to the modern economy. 'South Africa remains a country where your birthplace often determines your outcome,' said the organisation. 'Beyond the classroom, young people face a second layer of exclusion: limited access to mentorship, transport, the internet, and guidance on how to apply for jobs, bursaries, or skills programmes. 'Without these basics, even the best-intentioned policies remain out of reach for many. 'Without mentors, there is no one to show the way. Without training, there is no confidence to step forward. Without resources, the concept of 'opportunity' becomes abstract.' The youth of 2025 are facing several challenges, from high unemployment rates to substance abuse. Image: File Ilitha Labantu also criticised the private sector, saying most companies have failed to transform their leadership and are not doing enough to create pathways for youth. 'Corporate South Africa continues to hold the country at ransom. Most companies remain white-owned, with white-dominated leadership that bears no resemblance to the nation's demographics or aspirations.' The group said the most effective job creation sectors, care work, green energy, construction, agro-processing, digital services and creative industries, remain out of reach without proper investment and training infrastructure. 'There is high demand for skills in coding, solar installation, caregiving and data analysis, but access to this training is limited,' it said. It called for urgent improvements to TVET colleges, including updated curricula, reliable infrastructure, and stronger links to local employers. Ilitha Labantu drew a direct connection between unemployment and youth crime, particularly gang activity. In areas with few job prospects, gangs are often the only available source of income and belonging. 'It is easier to make R200 a day through crime than to spend six months applying for jobs that do not exist,' the group said. The fear and distrust of law enforcement were also raised. 'For many, fear of the police rivals fear of criminals,' the group stated, calling for trauma-informed policing and collaboration with social workers and NGOs. Long-term youth unemployment, they argue, is not just an economic issue, it is a threat to national stability. 'The longer we leave youth excluded, the more likely they will turn to alternatives that offer what the state has failed to: a sense of identity, control and power.' Abigail Moyo, spokesperson for the trade union United Association of South Africa (UASA), also raised concerns about exclusion in government policy discussions. Responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent National Dialogue initiative, Moyo asked: 'Where are the young people who face the daily challenges of unemployment and inequality? We want to see the young unemployed youth contributing to these dialogues.' She called for the establishment of forums that include graduates and job seekers, saying the most practical solutions often come from those directly affected. Meanwhile, employment platform Lulaway's CEO Jake Willis said South Africa is confronting 'a national emergency that threatens the future of an entire generation'. Lulaway has connected thousands of young job seekers to employers through a mix of technology, work readiness training, and mentorship. Business Partners Limited, a major financier of small businesses, said the country's future may lie in youth-led entrepreneurship. Area Manager Lawrance Ramotala said SMEs are playing a critical role in creating jobs, transferring skills, and mentoring first-time entrepreneurs. 'In many cases, SMEs are the first to take a chance on young people,' he said. 'What we're seeing is a groundswell of youth entrepreneurship rooted in community enterprise.' Ramotala said young entrepreneurs are not just surviving, but building businesses that tackle social issues, from education to mental health. But he warned that without support, these efforts are at risk. 'It's not enough to encourage youth to start businesses. They need support to stay the course, particularly in the early stages when failures can be discouraging and resources are limited.' He added that many young business owners are creating peer-to-peer support systems that go beyond what large companies can offer, using their platforms to share opportunities, funding, and mentorship. 'If we want to build a more inclusive, sustainable economy, we must invest in our youth, not just as jobseekers but as job creators. By backing youth entrepreneurship, we're not only building businesses, we're building futures.'
