Jobless youth a 'moral crisis'

Young people's reality is untenable and undesirable, says deputy president.

- Vhahangwele Nemakonde & Masoka Dube

The youth jobs crisis is more than just an economic issue; it is "a moral emergency," Deputy President Paul Mashatile says.

"It affects our entire society and demands urgent action from all sectors —government, business, and the broader community."

"We must address the structural challenges in our economy to tackle inequality and skills mismatches between education and the job market's needs," said Mashatile at a Youth Day event in Potchefstroom, North West, yesterday.

He conceded that young people are not living the future they hoped for amid high levels of unemployment, inequality, and a lack of access to opportunities, especially in the digital world.

"As the government, we acknowledge that, for these young people, their reality remains untenable, undesirable, and unsustainable," said Mashatile.

According to Statistics SA, young people between the ages of 15 and 34 make up just over half of South Africa's working-age population, at about 20.9 million people.

"Far too many can't find work, especially those between the ages of 15 and 24," said Mashatile.

The country's unemployment rate has increased to 32.9%. The figure goes up to 43.1% if it includes people who have given up looking for work.