With 9.1 million young people (between the ages of 15-35) not in employment, education, or training, the recent announcement by Stats SA on Quarter 3 2022 leaves the country in a state of cautious optimism. In this interview with Sifiso Skenjana on POWER Business, Youth Capital’s Network Mobiliser Lethiwe Sinodumo Nkosi paints a picture of the reality for the majority of young South Africans.
There are many systemic challenges that young people face on their journey to becoming economically productive. So this is a small win to celebrate, but we need to climb the mountain ahead of us.
Lethiwe Sinodumo Nkosi
As youth unemployment continues to be a national crisis, the role of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) has become critical in absorbing young talent. The potential is there: these businesses make up 40% of the GDP, and between 2016 and 2019, created more than 1,800 jobs per day; however their challenges are often not recognised nor addressed.
Youth Capital’s latest research brief, Bridge the Gap. Finding the ‘right’ young hire.
Currently, there is a mismatch between the skills and expectations of small businesses, with those of young people. To promote economic growth and productivity, it’s necessary to listen to business owners, identify the gaps, and roll out solutions.
Lethiwe Sinodumo Nkosi
Both Lethiwe and Sifiso raised the need for an education pipeline, especially the one between the curriculum of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges and the needs of businesses.
The focus group participants shared their concern that young people don’t see trade and artisanal
work as a valuable career pathway, and are not aware of the earning potential in trades
Listen to the full conversation here.
