Sets Three-Year Target to Boost Youth Jobs-Youth Employment
By Chris Williams
Cape Town, Western Cape –
Young people across South Africa got a message of hope from a top leader, as plans to tackle the tough job market take shape ahead of a big national speech.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile shared his strong belief that government efforts aimed at youth unemployment could double the number of young workers in just three years.
Speaking at a lively gathering with youth groups, he painted a picture of brighter days ahead, stressing how these steps could change lives for millions facing hard times finding work.
A Direct Chat with the Youth
The Deputy President made his comments during a special roundtable at the Thusong Service Centre in Khayelitsha on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. This was part of wider talks with different groups before President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address later this week.
Mashatile, stepping in for the President, listened to stories from young folks about their struggles and dreams. He was joined by key figures like the Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, and the head of the National Youth Development Agency, Sunshine Myende.
In his words, Mashatile said he felt good about the path ahead, pointing to how these programmes could make a real difference. He explained that the focus is on creating chances that last, not just quick fixes.
This comes at a time when many young South Africans feel stuck, with numbers showing over half of those aged 18 to 34 out of work or school.
The event let youth share their views on what the country needs, from better skills training to more spots in growing fields like tech and green energy.
The Scale of the Challenge
South Africa’s youth face one of the world’s highest jobless rates, with recent figures painting a stark picture. For those between 15 and 24, over 3.5 million are not in jobs, education, or training – a group often called NEETs.
The expanded unemployment rate for young adults up to 34 hit 56.3% in early 2025, up from past years and made worse by slow growth after tough times like the health crisis. Mashatile called this a “moral emergency”, linking it to bigger issues like poverty and unequal chances that hold the country back.
He stressed that without action, this could grow by about 600 000 new job-seekers each year, while the economy only expands at around 1.8%. That gap means formal jobs cannot keep up, leaving many in low-pay gigs or nothing at all.
In places like townships and rural spots, this leads to frustration, with some turning to crime or giving up hope. Mashatile tied this to the need for skills that match tomorrow’s work, like digital know-how and green jobs, to bridge the divide.
Key Programmes Driving Change
At the heart of Mashatile’s optimism are hands-on government plans designed to get young people into work. One big push is the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, started in 2018, which teams up government, businesses, and workers to create spots.
Through the Youth Employment Service, over 100 000 young folks have landed paid roles so far, learning on the job in fields like retail and building.
Other efforts include the Expanded Public Works Programme, which offers short-term work in things like fixing roads or cleaning parks, helping build skills while earning.
The Community Work Programme steps in for community needs, like caring for the elderly or greening spaces, giving income to those in hard-hit areas.
Then there is the National Youth Service Programme, set to grow big, aiming to pull in young people for mass projects such as patching potholes, building public spots, or waste cleanup. Mashatile said this could open doors in social services too, like helping at clinics or schools.
These are not standalone – they link to wider goals like cutting red tape for small businesses and boosting sectors that hire lots of youth, such as tourism and farming.
The Deputy President, who chairs the Human Resource Development Council, wants these to double employed youth by focusing on real results, like tracking how many stay in jobs after training.
Challenges and Calls for Teamwork
While the plans sound promising, Mashatile was honest about hurdles.
Slow payouts and paperwork have tripped up some programmes before, leaving operators waiting months for funds. He called for better teamwork between government levels, businesses, and communities to speed things up.
Youth at the roundtable shared ideas too, like more support for starting small ventures or fixing mismatches where skills do not fit job needs.
Experts note that success hinges on growth – if the economy picks up, these efforts could hit their mark.
Mashatile urged private companies to join in, perhaps through tax breaks for hiring youth or mentorship schemes. He sees this as a way to fight not just joblessness but also inequality, lifting families out of poverty one job at a time.
A Path Forward for Young South Africans
As the State of the Nation Address nears, Mashatile’s words offer a roadmap for change. He wrapped up by saying the government is committed to turning talk into action, with clear targets to measure progress over the next three years.
For young people listening, this means hope for better chances – from apprenticeships in tech to roles in green energy that build a sustainable future.
In a country where youth make up over half the people, getting this right could spark real growth. Families hope these programmes reach their kids, while leaders like Mashatile push for unity to make it happen.
As talks continue, many will watch to see if this drive delivers the strong gains promised, turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s wins.
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