Chikunga Calls for Unified National Effort to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has called for stronger, coordinated action across all sectors of society to address South Africa's persistent youth unemployment crisis.

The Minister emphasised that youth unemployment remains one of the most significant barriers to inclusive economic growth, social cohesion and broader development, despite ongoing government interventions.

Youth unemployment a critical national challenge

Chikunga noted that as South Africa advances its transformation agenda, the need to meaningfully integrate young people into the economy has become increasingly urgent.

The department highlighted that tackling youth unemployment requires a collective approach, with stronger collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society. These partnerships are essential to expanding access to skills development, entrepreneurship opportunities and sustainable employment pathways—particularly for young people in vulnerable and marginalised communities.

The Minister's remarks align with President Cyril Ramaphosa's continued focus on youth empowerment as a central pillar of inclusive growth and social transformation.

Government interventions and policy focus

Among the key initiatives identified is the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), which remains a cornerstone of government efforts to bridge the gap between education and the labour market.

The expansion of public employment programmes has also been highlighted as a practical step toward increasing job opportunities and work experience for young people.

Government has committed to strengthening policy implementation and mobilising resources to scale up these initiatives, while urging the private sector to play a more active role by investing in job creation, skills development and mentorship programmes.

Role of stakeholders across society

Chikunga stressed that addressing youth unemployment cannot be achieved by government alone.

• Private sector: Encouraged to increase investment in youth-focused employment and training initiatives

• Civil society: Called upon to support community-based programmes and improve access to opportunities

• Educational institutions: Urged to align curricula with labour market needs and expand work-readiness programmes

"By working together in these focused ways, stakeholders can deliver more effective and sustainable solutions to youth unemployment," the Minister said.

Mixed labour market signals

According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the fourth quarter of 2025, there are early signs of improvement in youth labour market outcomes.

The youth unemployment rate declined slightly to 43.8%, down from 44.6% in the same period in 2024. Employment among young people increased by 44,000, while the number of unemployed youth decreased by 172,000.

However, the department cautioned that these gains remain modest and do not yet signal a structural shift. Long-term challenges persist, requiring sustained and systemic interventions.

Call for long-term, systemic solutions

Chikunga underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of youth unemployment through:

• Better alignment between education and labour market demands

• Stronger support for entrepreneurship and innovation

• Increased investment in youth-led initiatives

She reiterated that empowering young people is essential for building a resilient and inclusive economy.

"The future of the country depends on how effectively we invest in, support, and include young people in national development," the Minister said.

Government, she added, remains committed to working with all stakeholders to create a more inclusive, productive and prosperous society for the youth.