Latest news with #YouthMonth
The Star
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
How South Africa's Youth Month aims to empower young people through skills development
Siyabonga Sithole | Published 1 day ago Minister in the Presidency, responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, and her deputy, Mmapaseka "Steve" Letsike, led the launch of the Youth Month programme for the year in Soweto on Tuesday. Image: Supplied Skills development and an inclusive and youth-oriented economy were some of the big talking points at the launch of this year's Youth Month programme in Soweto. The Minister in the Presidency responsible for women, youth and people with disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, her deputy, Mmapaseka "Steve" Letsike, and City of Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero, led a multi-pronged programme to kick-off Youth Month during a ceremony held at the Hector Peterson Memorial and Uncle Tom's Hall in Orlando West, Soweto. Reflecting on the historical significance of the uprisings, renowned activist Seth Mazibuko, who is one of the few remaining faces of the uprising, announced plans from his foundation to commemorate the pivotal moment in South Africa's Struggle for freedom. Activities will include a significant march involving eight schools that participated in the uprising, as well as the unveiling of "50 untold stories of June 16". "Indeed, there will be a march that will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the June 16 uprising, which will involve eight schools that took part in the uprisings. There is also a plan to launch the 50 untold stories of June 16, which will be stories told by some of the unsung heroes of the June 16 massacre. These include people who are not necessarily from Soweto but other parts of the province and country," Mazibuko said. Speaking to the media ahead of the launch programme, Chikunga said preparations for the celebration, developing a skilled South African youth, is an important aspect of ensuring that young people feel included in the skills and economic endeavours to ensure they are well-prepared for the future. "What we are going to be doing, from June this year to June next year, is to look at skills development for the future because some of the current skills may become redundant. We need to revitalise some of the skills so that young people with skills that are no longer in demand in terms of the market need, something can be done for those individuals . We have all these companies that are here who are displaying and exhibiting what they can do for young people," she stated. The minister's sentiments were echoed by Morero, who stressed the importance of improving the city's economy in order to create jobs and business opportunities for young people. "The generation of 1976 fought so that you and I can be free, so that we can celebrate free education in our lifetime, and we must ensure that education is free in the true sense of the word so that we can empower future generations and ensure that we have the necessary skills for young people to contribute to economic growth and generate economic growth for South Africa," Morero stated. [email protected]
Mail & Guardian
6 hours ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Born Free: Hunger is Political
In this week's episode, Khumo Kumalo and Otsile Nkadimeng sit down with Gauteng MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa to unpack the shifting landscape of South African politics. From President Ramaphosa's recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to the realities young people face on the ground, this is a timely and unfiltered conversation. As Youth Month begins, we confront the hard questions: 🔹 Why are so many young South Africans still unemployed? 🔹 Why do barriers to voting persist in a democracy built on freedom? 🔹 How can youth reclaim their agency in a political system that often sidelines them? This episode is more than a political chat—it's a call to action. If you're young, concerned, and ready to shape your future, this one's for you. #BornFree #YouthMonth #SouthAfrica #Politics #Unemployment #GenerationNow #MGPodcasts Khumo Kumalo is the visionary behind Misunderstood and the dynamic co-host of Born Free . Named one of the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans of 2024 , he is a bold voice in the country's evolving political discourse. As the author of Newsletter 94 (formerly Misunderstood), Kumalo delves into South Africa's complex history and shifting political landscape, reflecting on the dreams and realities of a post-apartheid nation. His passion for debate and current affairs was ignited at St John's College , later taking him to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia , where he continued to sharpen his perspective on leadership and social change. Kumalo isn't just asking questions—he's challenging narratives, sparking conversations, and pushing South Africa's youth to rethink what it truly means to be Born Free . Otsile Nkadimeng is a published author, policy writer, and changemaker , balancing his role as a second-year university student with a deep commitment to youth empowerment. Recognized by News24 for his impact and awarded the Young Nelson Mandela Award in 2023 , he is shaping conversations on democracy, governance, and sustainability. As the Executive Director of SoWeVote , a platform he co-founded, Nkadimeng is making it easier for young South Africans to access critical information about politics and democracy. His advocacy extends beyond borders—he serves as a Youth Advisor to the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria and is a fellow at the International Youth Think Tank , where he contributes to global youth policy discussions. Passionate about sustainability, he has co-founded and led multiple initiatives aimed at environmental and social progress across South Africa. Whether in civic engagement, international diplomacy, or grassroots activism, Nkadimeng is at the forefront of youth-led change, proving that young voices aren't just part of the conversation—they're leading it. Disclaimer: 'Born Free' is an opinion-based podcast and does not represent the views of M&G Media (PTY) LTD, its owners, affiliates, employees, or partners. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect the editorial stance of the Mail & Guardian.
IOL News
9 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
South African public servants, aged 35 and under face career growth barriers
There are 347,000 public servants aged 35 and younger in South Africa but systemic barriers are blocking their career growth. Image: Pexels More than 347,000 public servants, aged between 31 and 35, are employed in South Africa's public service, accounting for 27% of the government workforce but systemic issues are blocking their long-term career growth. This emerged during a briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration on Tuesday. The committee heard from the Department of Public Service and Administration and the Public Service Commission (PSC) as part of Youth Month engagements focused on strengthening youth development in the state. While the department noted the significant representation of younger people in administrative, finance, supply chain, and technical roles, with women forming the majority, the committee raised alarm over the low absorption of interns and short-term placements that offer little in terms of skills recognition or career advancement. "Short-term placements without certification or skills recognition do not constitute meaningful empowerment,' the committee noted. A major concern raised was the budget constraints that limit the creation of posts for youth, and the practice of assigning interns to unrelated, menial tasks with little supervision. Committee members also flagged nepotism in placements and the lack of formal exit interviews to assess programme impact. 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 To address these challenges, the department is developing a policy to introduce a voluntary early retirement scheme. This would allow older public servants to leave without financial penalties, thereby creating space for younger recruits. The department will also enforce youth hiring targets in departmental performance plans and scale up partnerships. Committee chairperson, Jan de Villiers, said, "Today's presentations reflected the dual importance of efficient leave management and purposeful youth development; it is not just about employing young people; it is about creating developmental pathways for them to grow within the public sector." The committee also scrutinised the PSC's report on leave utilisation from 2020 to 2023. It revealed that capped leave, days that accrued before July 2000 now stands as a R16 billion liability, mostly within the health and education sectors. The PSC warned this liability will continue to grow due to inflation and salary increases. Members also raised concerns about high levels of sick and incapacity leave and unequal access to study leave, with senior managers often benefiting more than lower-level staff such as cleaners and clerical workers. They called for improved transparency in recruitment and leave oversight, and better demographic data to inform workforce planning. THE MERCURY
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's agricultural exports surged by 10% in first quarter of 2025
A worker harvests grapes on a farm in Franschhoek near Cape Town. South Africa's agricultural exports have shown strong growth in the first quarter of 2025 due to the higher export volumes of grapes among other products. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives South Africa's agricultural exports have shown strong growth in the first quarter of 2025, rising by 10% year-on-year and reaching a total of US$3.36 billion, according to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen. This increase was largely driven by higher export volumes of products such as grapes, maize, apples, and wine, alongside improved international commodity prices. The minister said: 'We can all agree that agriculture plays a vital role in our nation's economic ambitions and contributes significantly to our trade balance.' He attributed the growth in exports to the 'unwavering dedication and courageousness of the country's farmers and the entire value chain.' The export success comes as the agricultural sector continues its gradual recovery on the jobs front. The recent Statistics SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey, released in May, showed that primary agriculture employment rose by 1% from the previous quarter, reaching 930,000 jobs in the first quarter of 2025. The increase was mainly seen in the field crops, game, and hunting subsectors. While annual employment was still down by 1% year-on-year, Steenhuisen expressed optimism about the direction the sector is heading in: 'This mild recovery in employment is a welcome sign, and the Department of Agriculture is committed to implementing interventions to support the subsectors and regions still feeling the effects of previous challenges.' With June marking Youth Month, Steenhuisen also used the opportunity to call for greater involvement of young people in agriculture to ensure the sector's long-term sustainability. 'The future of our country and that of our agricultural sector hinges on the active involvement of our young people. We need to ignite a passion for farming, agribusiness, and the entire agricultural value chain among our youth,' he said. He outlined key areas that need investment to attract young talent, including accessible financial assistance, early agricultural education, land access, market linkages, and technology-driven farming. 'The energy, innovation, and adaptability of our young citizens are precisely what our agricultural sector needs to reach its full potential and ensure lasting food security,' said Steenhuisen. Applications for the Department of Agriculture's bursary programme for the 2026 academic year are now open. THE MERCURY
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Understanding the Challenges Facing South Africa's Youth in 2025
Dr Sheetal Bhoola is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Zululand, and the director at StellarMaths (Sunningdale). Picture: Supplied Image: Supplied THE month of June brings South Africa's youth to the fore. Youth Month is all about understanding the role youth play in society and determining how we can meet their needs as a society and community. The youth of South Africa constitute approximately one-third of South Africa's population and comprise individuals who are between the ages of 15 and 34 years. Recent years in South Africa have been difficult for youth in our country. We have had a staggering ratio of youth unemployment coupled with schools being poorly resourced with teachers and materials for effective teaching and learning to take place. In addition, many of our youth have become victims of sexual harassment and various forms of violence on school premises. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ The sense of belonging and safety within the school community has been eroded and further exacerbated by the increasing number of teachers who have been the perpetrators and or have been witnesses to these incidents but have opted to be silent. Parents and children now question their safety on the premises, and amidst school teachers and principals. Schools in particular have no longer become safe spaces for our youth and it is overwhelming for many. Also, these children have to focus on improving academic focus and achievement and try to identify their academic strengths and weaknesses to facilitate the development of a career after schooling years. Our youth are constantly struggling with developing careers post-school and university as many graduates are not absorbed by the formal economy. During research encounters, I have met young unemployed graduates who seek to create a livelihood in entrepreneurship as a means of survival and in some cases have no correlation with their qualifications. But more importantly, university pass rates are low nationally, and in present times, the university student drop-out rate is high. It has been reported that approximately 50% of first-year level students drop out and the reasons are multiple. In 2023, it was reported that only 7.3% of South Africans between the ages of 25 and older have a degree, despite the numerous efforts of the government to fund education at tertiary educational institutions. Statistics South Africa has reported that the unemployment rate among young females was estimated at 49,4% in 2024, and the reasons varied. Central to the motivation as to why women also choose to be unemployed during their years of youth is that they may be young and new mothers as aligned with the female biological clock and other family responsibilities. These responsibilities can impede their educational attainment and, subsequently, their advancement within the South African labor market. Other reasons include a lack of appropriate career counseling, lack of financial and academic support as well as poor academic performance which are often associated with work or family commitments. The need to address the high student dropout rate should be prioritised and it can begin by understanding why. It was also reported that approximately one in two Technikon first-year students tend to drop out and in the majority of cases they have not had appropriate and encouraging career counseling. The need for youth to empower themselves through educational and social upliftment has to be reinforced through mass media engagements and public discourses. We have a huge drug and alcohol consumption problem among our youth too, and research has indicated that the consumption of drugs and alcohol contributes to poor academic performance, leaving schoolgoers feeling discouraged and leaving, whereas university students drop out. Career counseling should become a mandatory component of school curriculums nationally, especially at the onset of secondary school. Youth need to be guided appropriately and in detail. They need to be informed about how subject choices can impact the trajectory of their career and educational development after completing Grade 12. The majority of South African youth need to be fully informed of what it takes to build a career and understand the importance of setting goals for themselves. To complement this, learners need to be taught appropriate study skills so that their academic performance can be enhanced. Study skills are a lifelong tool that is required by every individual to learn and develop through educational systems. Often youth are left to develop these skills independently and somewhat struggle to identify a study approach that is best suited to their needs, challenges, and personalities. Youth need to be taught how to absorb, process, and retain information that they are taught in the schooling and tertiary education environments. These skills need to be taught and can be learned through specific exercises combined with time management skills.
