We must help young South Africans to build productive livelihoods by fostering economic connectedness — described as cross-class social connections
From our daily engagements with young people at Youth Capital and the Centre for Social Development in Africa, we know that most are proactive, energetic and resilient. Young people are ready to contribute to the economy and pursue sustainable livelihoods. But endless rejections, the lack of financial resources and deep-seated barriers have left them in […]
Covid-19 has worsened unemployment among young adults. Fixing this endemic problem won’t be easy, but a ‘systems thinking’ lens points to the best places to start
Youth unemployment is not often discussed in all its complexities. Like a game of snakes and ladders, this crisis is the result of compounding roadblocks and U-turns that young South Africans face. Solving it requires coordinated action
There is a terrific opportunity to leverage interventions such as public works programmes in a cohesive youth employment strategy
Young people’s experiences should lead the way in a shared response to youth unemployment
To be effective, the General Education Certificate must plug gaps, not create new ones
There is a programme for people to rewrite their national certificate outside of the school system, but they aren’t monitored and they need a study material portal, free data and academic support
Without the means to leverage lockdown as a time to grow, Covid-19 reinforces how access to data remains a barrier to young people’s progress
A six-point plan will help to drive the president’s youth employment intervention but it is essential that the experiences of young people are prioritised in its design and delivery