Bridging gap for youth unemployment

In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Ureshni Morrison, the Chief Operations Officer at Harambee, shed light on the organization's efforts to address youth unemployment in South Africa. With Youth Day fast approaching on June 16th, Morrison emphasized the importance of work-integrated learning programs to prepare young individuals for the demands of the workforce. She highlighted the crucial role of digital skills in today's job market, stating that bridging the gap in skills is essential for enabling youth to secure employment in roles such as testers and Java developers. Morrison also touched on the concept of intrapreneurship as a means for young people to create their own opportunities in the economy. She emphasized the success stories of young intrapreneurs who have thrived in the hustle economy by leveraging tools and resources provided by Harambee. The interview also delved into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in facilitating youth employment. Morrison expressed optimism about AI's potential as an enabler, pointing out that it can free up capacity for more complex tasks while automating mundane ones. She stressed the importance of preparing young individuals to embrace AI and adapt to the changing landscape of work. Additionally, Morrison discussed the trends in minimum wage for young graduates, noting that they are gradually moving above basic earning thresholds. Regarding the absorption of young graduates into the workforce after participating in internship programs, Morrison highlighted high adoption rates ranging from 70% to 99% in some cases. She attributed these impressive figures to the marketability of graduates who have undergone learnership programs. Morrison also mentioned the emergence of gig work opportunities for those who do not secure permanent roles, emphasizing the value of diverse pathways to employment. Looking ahead, Harambee plans to host a panel discussion to delve deeper into topics such as AI, digital skills, and youth unemployment. While progress has been made in addressing the issue, Morrison acknowledges that there is still work to be done to combat youth unemployment in South Africa. In conclusion, Ureshni Morrison's insights underscore the importance of equipping young individuals with the skills and resources needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. By focusing on work-integrated learning, intrapreneurship, and preparing for the impact of AI, Harambee remains committed to bridging the gap for youth unemployment in South Africa.