Johannesburg, May 14: The rising unemployment in South Africa is primarily attributed to sluggish economic growth and deficiencies in the education and skills development systems, significantly impacting the youth. This was stated by Ravi Naidoo, CEO of the Youth Employment Service (YES).
The YES program is a business-based initiative launched in 2018 by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to reduce youth unemployment.
In a recent interview, Naidoo noted that millions of young people are being pushed out of the formal job market due to slow economic growth, lack of necessary job preparation, and limited job opportunities.
He pointed out that South Africa’s economic growth has been notably weak. According to Statistics South Africa, the country’s GDP grew by only 1.1 percent in 2025.
Naidoo emphasized that despite significant spending on education and training, many young individuals are not adequately prepared for the workforce. He stated, “Education and skills development have not sufficiently equipped youth for employment.”
He added, “Young people face intense competition for jobs that are typically entry-level. Moreover, they are not prepared for work, as neither the education system nor their families adequately prepare them for formal employment.”
Naidoo mentioned that while young people with university degrees have slightly better job prospects, the majority do not reach college or university, further diminishing their opportunities.
He also warned that emerging technologies could further reduce job availability, leading to even more limited employment opportunities.
According to Statistics South Africa, the official unemployment rate rose to 32.7 percent in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.4 percent in the last quarter of 2025. During this period, 345,000 jobs were lost, increasing the total number of unemployed individuals to over 8.1 million.
The unemployment situation among youth is even more alarming, with the youth unemployment rate soaring to 45.8 percent, indicating that conditions for job-seeking youth are becoming increasingly challenging.
Economists and labor experts have long warned that persistently high youth unemployment could escalate social and economic risks, such as inequality, poverty, and social instability.
To address these issues, Naidoo urged the government to collaborate with the private sector to increase investment and restore confidence in the economy.
He suggested that the government should focus on improving infrastructure in sectors such as ports, railways, roads, energy, water, and digital networks to promote growth.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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