By Emmanuel Kganakga
In South Africa, Youth Month is celebrated every June following a declaration by our first democratic President, Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. It is a time when we collectively honour the pivotal role that young people played in the struggle against Apartheid and the historic Soweto Uprising of 1976. Every 16 June, as we mark National Youth Day, we not only remember the sacrifices and courage of those young people, but we also renew our commitment to equipping today’s youth for a vibrant future. The theme for 2025 Youth Month, “Skills for the changing world – Empowering youth for meaningful economic participation”, calls on us to build on our proud legacy as Africans and to prepare our young people for the evolving demands of the global economy.
Recent data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey reminds us of the challenges our youth continue to face, particularly in accessing the labour market. For the first quarter of 2025, the number of unemployed youth aged 15–34 rose by 151 000 to 4.8 million, while the number of employed youth dropped by 153 000 to 5.7 million. As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased from 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025. These statistics highlight the urgency of our task, even as we stand united in hope and determination to transform challenges into opportunities.
Despite these daunting figures, the government, and indeed our social partners across civil society and private sector organisations, remain fully committed to turning the tide. We recognise that when our youth are educated and equipped with the right skills, they not only become more productive members of the workforce but also drive innovation, stimulate economic activity, and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
Key to this transformative effort is the work of institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). The NYDA, an agency of government reporting to the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, is at the forefront of reducing youth unemployment and enhancing skills attainment through a range of programmes, including job preparedness and placement, scholarship provision, and community service. Through its National Youth Service (NYS) Programme, it has already created over 65 000 community service opportunities.
In May 2024, a significant stride was made with the launch of the South African National Service Institute (SANSI), a joint initiative by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). SANSI is envisioned to create a deliberate and seamless skills-to-industry pipeline by training, capacitating, and empowering emerging industrialists. With Phase 1 aiming to enrol at least 100 000 young people, this initiative promises not only sustainable employment but also a new era of innovative entrepreneurship. This is a vivid illustration of the practical steps being taken to build a skilled and competitive workforce.
The commitment to youth development extends across all spheres of government. For example, the Department of Employment and Labour recently announced that more than 13 000 unemployed youth in Limpopo will benefit from a R462 million fund dedicated to training and skills development. Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education is set to launch Phase V of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) in June 2025. This phase is targeting youth aged 18 to 34 (turning 35 by March 2026) and aims to create over 200 000 job opportunities, building on the success of earlier phases that generated more than 1.1 million earning opportunities.
The above programme is part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), which has achieved impressive milestones. With over 4.6 million youths registered on the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN) and more than 1.5 million earning opportunities secured, the initiative has notably reached some of the most marginalised groups—including rural youth, young men, young women, and youth with disabilities.
On the educational front, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is playing its part by allocating a substantial R55.4 billion budget for the 2025 academic year, assisting eligible students from poor and working-class families at public universities and TVET colleges.
In addition to these government-led efforts, companies across the nation are partnering with educational institutions to provide essential learnerships, internships, and apprenticeships, ensuring that the skills being imparted are in line with industry needs. Our policy landscape is also youth-friendly. The National Youth Policy 2030 is being evaluated this year to ensure that youth have access to the opportunities they need to realise their full potential. All stakeholders are encouraged to mainstream youth development into the design, monitoring, and evaluation of their mandates and programmes.
As part of the weekly themes this youth month, we are aiming to strengthen Youth Development Centres and Innovation Hubs. Around our country, centres where our youth can gather, learn, and innovate must be enhanced. These hubs provide access to cutting-edge technology, mentorship and entrepreneurial support, which are critical ingredients for turning ideas into sustainable businesses. Our commitment is clear: every young South African should have the resources and support to transform their talents into economic success.
Youth Month 2025 has been structured around four dynamic weekly themes designed to mobilise and empower our young people:
- Week 1 will focus on Skills Revolution, with a focus on showcasing improved education systems, enhanced academic performance, and strategies to integrate young people into key economic sectors.
- For week 2, the focus is on jobs and economic opportunities. Our focus will be on creating inclusive employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship. We will engage with provincial offices, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector to ensure that growth opportunities are extended to all youth.
- Week 3 will focus on Financial and Non-Financial Support for SMMEs. Small, medium, and micro enterprises are the backbone of our economy. We will introduce expanded support mechanisms, providing not only funding but also vital training, mentorship, and market access to ensure these enterprises become powerful job creators and drivers of economic growth.
- Week 4 will zoom into promoting physical and mental health, recognising that economic empowerment is most effective when our youth are healthy and resilient. We will promote initiatives that reduce risky behaviours and improve access to quality healthcare, nutrition, and mental health services.
As I conclude, this Youth Month, as we reflect on our storied past and the heroic contributions of those who fought for our freedom, we also look forward with renewed hope and determination. By investing in our young people, we are not only building a skilled workforce but also forging a nation defined by inclusion, innovation, and lasting prosperity.
Together, let us continue to work diligently and collaboratively, ensuring that the promise of Youth Month is fulfilled through concrete action and unwavering support for our leaders of both today and the future.
*Emmanuel Kganakga is the Director: Youth Policy and Legislation at the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
