Tackling youth unemployment in SA

South Africa's unemployment rate has reached a two-year high of 33.5 per cent, with the youth aged 15 to 34 facing an even bleaker outlook at 44.2 per cent, according to recent data. To address this pressing issue impacting over 10 million young South Africans, initiatives like the partnership between McDonald's and Kitsita are coming to the forefront. Through programs targeting youth up to 27 years old, with a minimum requirement of a metric qualification, opportunities are being created to uplift communities and provide essential skills for the job market. Sally Sithole's report sheds light on the importance of collaboration between employers, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions to bridge the skills gap and reduce unemployment rates. The focus on occupational qualifications driven by industry needs is a step towards aligning education with market demands to empower graduates and enhance workforce readiness. Mark Stivella, Kitsita's CEO, emphasizes the pivotal role of sector education and training authorities in driving this transformation to support economic growth and job creation. Greg Solomon, the CEO of McDonald's, highlights the company's commitment to recruiting and retaining young talent, with a strong focus on education and upskilling within the organization. Leveraging technology like AI, McDonald's is enhancing customer experiences and creating new job opportunities, debunking the myth that automation leads to job losses. As McDonald's continues to expand its footprint across South Africa, particularly in urban areas with plans to reach smaller towns, the company remains dedicated to sustainable growth and meeting customer demands in a rapidly evolving market landscape.