Shaping the future SA youth

Harambee, an organization dedicated to addressing youth unemployment, is gearing up to host a significant summit that will bring together government officials, senior business leaders, and members of civil society to share insights and innovative strategies aimed at tackling the pressing issue of youth unemployment in South Africa. Zengeziwe Msimang, the Chief Engagement Officer at Harambee, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss the organization's efforts and the upcoming summit. Harambee's primary focus is on finding creative ways to combat youth unemployment by creating opportunities for job creation and entrepreneurship. In a time where the economic outlook is challenging and the job market is struggling to provide an adequate number of jobs, Harambee is working tirelessly to engage young people and empower them to contribute meaningfully to the economy and their communities. One of the challenges that Harambee faces is ensuring successful job placements for its trainees. Through strategic partnerships with various entities, including the Presidency and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, Harambee has facilitated over 1 million earning opportunities for young people in the past 12 years. However, the organization emphasizes the need for additional partners to further expand these job opportunities and provide valuable learning experiences for young individuals. The much-anticipated Harambee Solutions Exchange summit, now in its seventh year, is set to take place next week. The event aims to convene leaders from diverse sectors to explore innovative solutions to youth unemployment. Notable speakers at the summit include Ebisi Jonas, representing the business community, and South Africa's Deputy President, Mr. Paul Mashadile. The discussions will center around the impact of initiatives like the SAUTH.MOBI network and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention in bridging the gap between young job seekers and available opportunities. The summit will serve as a platform to set a clear agenda for driving economic inclusion for young people in South Africa. With a particular focus on sectors like logistics and energy, there is optimism about creating more job prospects for the youth as the economy regains momentum. The overarching goal of the summit is to ensure that no young person is left behind in the country's efforts to rebuild a robust and inclusive economy. In a statement to CNBC Africa, Zengeziwe Msimang expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming summit, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between stakeholders from the public and private sectors to unlock the full potential of South Africa's youth workforce. The event is poised to serve as a blueprint for sustainable youth employment strategies, offering a roadmap for comprehensive and effective solutions to address the complex issue of youth unemployment in the nation.