More than 30% of young South Africans between the ages of 15-24 are not in any form of employment, education, or training.
But there are worrying trends in this year's crop. As an entrepreneur, I am drawn to the Business and Law category, in which 30 under-35s are recognised. The first thing one notices is that half of those profiled are professionals (lawyers, economists, consultants, analysts) working for established organisations.
I don't want to undermine the importance of professionals in South Africa, but merely holding a job, even a good one, rarely addresses our core problems, chief among them unemployment and inequality. Creating decent jobs is a priority of our National Development Plan and, if we are to make headway, surely we should seek to recognise true innovators who are creating sustainable employment, not successful white collar employees.
I found more reason for concern among the remaining 15 self-described chief executives, founders and owners. "Boardshapers", "brand consultants", "digital media experts" and "gangster museum owners" make interesting reading but are they likely to generate the four million or so jobs sorely needed by our undereducated population?
May I suggest that next year more space be given to those who meet the following criteria: young South Africans in business and law who are doing something truly innovative, not merely filling a desirable professional job; who are creating employment, say at least 10 jobs directly, and a multiple of that indirectly; and who have a bold vision for the future, which includes adding significant value to South Africa.
As Shaka Sisulu, the keynote speaker at the ceremony to launch this year's 200 Youth South Africans, said: "The potential in this room is bouncing off the walls. The potential is astounding!"
But unless we harness that and charge it to focus on our country's most pressing issues, we will continue to be a minority of well-paid, successful professionals and niche entrepreneurs reading about ourselves in the M&G and complaining about government's failure to deliver jobs. – Gilbert Pooley, Johannesburg