Government
Government is currently implementing several collaborative initiatives to tackle youth unemployment, focusing on improving labour market functioning through skills training, work experience, entrepreneurship support, and wage subsidies, according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday.
Mashatile Addresses Youth Unemployment Concerns in NCOP
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, during his oral response session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday, 11 September 2025, acknowledged the grave concern of youth unemployment in South Africa, which stands at 45.5% for those aged 15-34, according to Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q2 2025. “The rate of unemployment in our country is indeed a concern to all of us,” he said, emphasising that over 3.5 million young people aged 15-24 are neither in employment, education, nor training (NEET), a statistic that underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent long-term economic exclusion and social instability.
Mashatile highlighted the government’s multi-pronged approach to address this crisis, which includes labour-intensive programmes designed to provide temporary employment and skills development. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth, which has been sluggish at 0.6% in Q2 2025, and reduce the overall unemployment rate of 33.5%. The Deputy President stressed the importance of collaborative action with social partners, including business, labour, and civil society, to create sustainable job opportunities for the youth, who make up 35% of the population but face barriers like skills mismatches and lack of work experience.
Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Phase V
One of the flagship initiatives Mashatile discussed is Phase V of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), approved by Cabinet in February 2024. This phase aims to create five million work opportunities from April 2024 to March 2029, with an estimated budget of R178 billion. “This programme intends to address youth unemployment by providing young people access to jobs in mass projects such as road maintenance, inclusive of pothole repairs, public infrastructure development, public space beautification, waste management, and social services,” Mashatile explained. The EPWP targets vulnerable groups, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities, offering stipends of R1,500-R2,500 monthly while building skills in sectors like construction and environmental services.
Since its launch in 2004, the EPWP has created over 14 million work opportunities nationwide, with Phase IV (2019-2024) generating 4.5 million despite COVID-19 disruptions. In Gauteng alone, it provided 200,000 opportunities in 2024, focusing on youth in township revitalisation projects. Mashatile noted that the programme’s expansion will prioritise green jobs, such as tree planting and waste recycling, aligning with the Just Energy Transition to create 100,000 positions by 2029.
Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) and Skills Initiatives
Mashatile, as chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), outlined how the council collaborates with stakeholders to develop a collective response to youth unemployment. The HRDC, established in 2010, focuses on aligning education and training with labour market needs through partnerships with universities, TVET colleges, and the private sector. “Through the HRDC, government collaborates with social partners, including business, labour, and civil society, to develop and implement a collective response to youth unemployment,” he said.
A key highlight is the launch of the Jet Skills Desk, National Jet Skills Advisory Forum, and Multi-Donor Initiative in August 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. These initiatives provide leadership and coordination for demand-driven skills development, empowering disadvantaged youth to access employment and entrepreneurship in the green economy. The Jet Skills Desk offers free online courses in renewable energy, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship, targeting 500,000 participants by 2026. Mashatile noted that research from the University of Cape Town’s South African Labour Development Research Unit shows over half of unemployed youth search for work for more than a year, emphasising the need for immediate interventions.
The National Skills Development Plan and National Skills Fund (NSF) further equip youth with market-relevant skills, with R15 billion allocated in 2025 for apprenticeships and learnerships. In 2024, the NSF trained 100,000 young people in trades like plumbing and coding, leading to 60% employment rates. Mashatile stressed: “The government is committed to moving from fragmented efforts to an integrated national programme that encompasses skills development, economic opportunity, workplace experience, entrepreneurship support, soft skills, and civic education to foster resilience and adaptability.”
SANDF-Led National Youth Service Programme
Another innovative measure is the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)-led National Youth Service Programme, conceptualised by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in partnership with the Department of Defence. This programme empowers women, youth, and persons with disabilities to become emerging industrialists in sectors like agriculture, energy security, aerospace, maritime, the digital economy, and defence. It offers military-style training combined with vocational skills, aiming to enrol 50,000 participants in 2025 at a cost of R2 billion, with 70% finding jobs or starting businesses post-graduation.
The initiative draws from successful models like Israel’s Talpiot programme, focusing on discipline and innovation. Mashatile highlighted its role in addressing heterogeneous unemployment, where rural youth face different barriers than urban ones. In KZN, for example, it has trained 5,000 in agro-processing, creating 2,000 jobs in 2024.
Challenges and Calls for Urgent Action
Despite these efforts, Mashatile conceded the pace is insufficient. “The rate of unemployment in our country is indeed a concern to all of us,” he said, noting 4.7 million NEET youth in Q2 2025. The automotive and metal sectors shed 5,000 jobs in 2025, exacerbating the crisis. He called for paradigm shifts, including reindustrialisation to create industries that absorb youth.
Experts like UCT’s Haroon Bhorat warn of a “lost generation,” with 60% long-term unemployed. The HRDC’s 2025 strategy targets 1 million jobs by 2028 through green economy transitions, but implementation lags due to R50 billion funding shortfalls.
Mashatile’s NCOP response, part of GNU accountability, reassures but demands delivery. As SA grapples with 0.6% growth, these initiatives offer hope, but urgent action is key to averting social unrest.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube