WeeklySA_AdminSTRATEGIC APPROACH: EmpowaYouth will consolidate the insights and strategies proposed by the speakers and delegates into a White paper to be submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Ali Mphaki
Youth is not a problem to be solved, but a resource to be harnessed.
These words by Sindisiwe Chikunga, the minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities, encapsulated the significance of the EmpowaYouth Indaba which convened some of the nation’s foremost thought leaders and stakeholders in youth empowerment in Johannesburg last Thursday, making it a pivotal moment to address South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis.
Supported by African Bank and the National Youth Development Agency, the discussions featured prominent figures such as Ravi Naidoo, CEO of Yes for Youth; Martin Sweet, CEO of Primestars; leaders from Harambee, Naspers Limited, the W&RSeta, and the Transport Education and Training Authority.
At the core of the discussions was the pressing mandate to rapidly upskill and train South Africa’s youth in order to stave off the looming socio-economic challenges posed by an evolving job market.
The Indaba focused on the urgent need to create alternative livelihood pathways for young people, moving beyond traditional forms of work.
Asserting that the youth constitutes a large portion of the massive 72% of South Africa’s population her department is responsible for, Chikunga called the EmpowaYouth Indaba an apt and timely initiative, stating, “ We must act boldly and decisively to transform the lives of our young people, providing them with the tools, opportunities, and skills to shape their futures.”
Among the overwhelming consensus among the delegates was the fact that South Africa’s youth are not getting any younger, and with the economic landscape changing quickly, there is no time to waste.
Consequently the themes discussed included: Bridging Policy and Impact: Enhancing youth employment strategies for practical, on-the-ground solutions.
Innovating for Impact: Exploring how businesses can drive youth employment and skills development by transforming South Africa’s workforce.
Redefining Employment: Promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship, particularly within the gig economy, as viable alternatives to traditional jobs.
Leveraging Technology for Employment Growth: Harnessing digital platforms and innovation to break down barriers for young entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Bridging the Vocational Training Gap: Strengthening partnerships with education and training authorities to expand access to skills development opportunities.
Adding her voice Sibongile Gangxa, managing executive for Special Projects at Empowaworx, underscored the urgency of these discussions: “We stand not as isolated organisations or individuals, but as the millions of South Africa’s youth who woke up today, uncertain about their future. It is our responsibility and privilege to pay it forward, to connect them to the opportunities that will change their lives. This Indaba marks a critical juncture where we reimagine livelihoods and recover lost ground.”
Elizabeth Ramashala, Head of Transformation at African Bank, shared her support for the initiative, saying, “African Bank’s commitment to transformation is grounded in purpose. Platforms such as the EmpowaYouth Indaba allow us to change the dial, reimagine livelihoods, and create a future where no young person is left behind. These collaborations are vital in ensuring that young South Africans are empowered to thrive.”
Chikunga concluded the event with a powerful call to action, emphasising that her ministry is ready to partner with all present to create new realities for the country’s youth.
In the coming weeks, EmpowaYouth will consolidate the insights and strategies proposed by the speakers and delegates into a white paper, which will be submitted to the President of the Republic of South Africa. This document will serve as a roadmap for actionable, long-term solutions t youth unemployment in South Africa.
EmpowaYouth’s impact over the past seven years has been far-reaching, with its programs in peri-urban areas facilitating access to meaningful employment and career development. The Indaba served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration across sectors to achieve sustainable change.
