Cracking South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis

South Africa is currently facing a pressing issue with youth unemployment reaching an alarming rate of 45.5 percent. This statistic highlights the urgent need to address the challenges faced by the younger generation in accessing viable economic opportunities. In a recent discussion on CNBC Africa, Ureshni Morrison, Chief Operations Officer at Harambee, and Abed Tau, CEO at My Dough, shed light on the strategies and initiatives being implemented to combat this high unemployment rate. The panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to create sustainable pathways for youth employment. Morrison highlighted the multifaceted approach adopted by Harambee, focusing on work-integrated learning programs to provide inexperienced youth with the necessary skills and experience to enter the workforce. By investing in young people and offering them opportunities for growth and development, Harambee aims to empower them to secure meaningful employment. Additionally, Morrison stressed the significance of building confidence among the youth, enabling them to navigate job interviews and excel in their chosen fields. On the other hand, Tau discussed the role of entrepreneurship in addressing youth unemployment. As a business accelerator, My Dough works with young entrepreneurs to nurture their business ideas and help them enter the market successfully. By partnering with both the government and private sector, My Dough aims to create an ecosystem where young businesses can thrive and eventually contribute to job creation. Tau underlined the importance of coaching and mentoring to guide young entrepreneurs through the intricacies of running a business and engaging with larger corporations. The conversation also delved into the question of whether entrepreneurship can be a solution to the youth unemployment crisis. Both panelists agreed that fostering a culture of entrepreneurship is crucial in providing sustainable employment opportunities for the youth. While government initiatives play a vital role in creating an enabling environment for economic growth, small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) have the potential to significantly impact job creation. By supporting and promoting youth-led businesses, South Africa can tap into the untapped potential of its younger population. Looking ahead, the panelists expressed their hopes for the new government of national unity to build on existing policies and strengthen implementation efforts. They emphasized the need for deepened partnerships across sectors and a commitment to effective policy execution. By leveraging successful interventions and addressing the skills mismatch through targeted educational reforms, South Africa can work towards reducing youth unemployment and promoting sustainable economic development. In conclusion, the discussion on CNBC Africa highlighted the importance of collaboration, entrepreneurship, and government support in addressing South Africa's youth unemployment crisis. By investing in the future generation and creating conducive environments for business growth, the country can pave the way for a brighter economic outlook for its youth.