DWYPD Urges All Sectors to Put Youth at Centre of Economic Development

The DWYPD highlighted that high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality continue to undermine the aspirations and potential of millions of young South Africans.

As South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the historic 1976 Youth Uprising, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on government, business and civil society to intensify efforts to place young people at the centre of enterprise development, economic transformation and job creation. The department said the milestone serves as both a celebration of the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976 and a reminder of the urgent need to address the economic challenges facing today's generation of young South Africans.

According to the department, while the youth of 1976 fought courageously for political freedom and equality, the current generation is confronting a different struggle — the pursuit of economic freedom through meaningful participation in the country's economy. As South Africa marks five decades since the uprising that helped shape the country's democratic future, the department believes the legacy of that generation should inspire renewed action to create opportunities for young people to thrive economically.

Remembering the Legacy of the 1976 Youth Uprising

The 1976 Youth Uprising remains one of the most significant moments in South Africa's history. Young people across the country mobilised against the apartheid regime's discriminatory policies, demonstrating extraordinary courage, resilience and determination in the face of oppression.

Their actions helped galvanise resistance against apartheid and played a crucial role in the eventual achievement of democracy. The department noted that the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976 paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed by South Africans today.

Economic Freedom Remains a Major Challenge

Despite progress since the advent of democracy, youth unemployment remains one of South Africa's most pressing socio-economic challenges.

The DWYPD highlighted that high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality continue to undermine the aspirations and potential of millions of young South Africans. These challenges are particularly severe among young people living in rural areas, townships and under-resourced communities where access to opportunities remains limited.

According to the department, many young people continue to struggle to find sustainable employment, access funding for business ventures or participate meaningfully in economic activities.

As a result, government believes that more targeted interventions are needed to unlock the potential of the country's youth and create pathways toward long-term economic inclusion.

Enterprise Development Seen as Key Solution

The department has identified enterprise development as one of the most effective ways to address youth unemployment and expand economic participation. Department spokesperson Cassius Selala said entrepreneurship offers young people an opportunity not only to secure livelihoods for themselves but also to create jobs and contribute to broader economic growth.

"Elevated levels of youth unemployment, poverty and inequality continue to undermine the aspirations of many young South Africans. The DWYPD believes that enterprise development is a vital pathway to unlock the potential of young people and foster sustainable livelihoods," Selala said. The department emphasised that supporting youth entrepreneurship can help diversify the economy, stimulate innovation and strengthen local industries.

Young entrepreneurs are increasingly seen as a driving force behind economic transformation, particularly in sectors influenced by technology, digital innovation and emerging industries.

Young Entrepreneurs Bring Innovation and New Ideas

The DWYPD highlighted the unique contribution that young people make to economic development.

According to Selala, young entrepreneurs possess the innovation, creativity and technological capabilities needed to drive future growth and competitiveness.

"Youth entrepreneurs bring innovation, creativity, and technological skills necessary to fuel economic growth, develop new industries, and generate employment opportunities nationwide," he said.

As South Africa seeks to modernise its economy and compete in an increasingly digital global environment, the department believes young innovators can play a critical role in developing new business models, products and services.

Supporting youth-led enterprises could therefore help create a more dynamic and inclusive economy while generating employment opportunities for others.

Call for Greater Support Across All Sectors

The department has called on a broad range of stakeholders to strengthen support for youth-owned businesses and entrepreneurial initiatives.

These stakeholders include:

• Government departments.

• State-owned entities.

• Private-sector companies.

• Development finance institutions.

• Industry bodies and business associations.

The DWYPD said coordinated action is needed to remove barriers that prevent young entrepreneurs from succeeding and scaling their businesses.

The department urged organisations to increase targeted investments and create more opportunities for youth participation across the economy.

Access to Finance Remains Critical

One of the biggest obstacles facing young entrepreneurs is limited access to finance.

Many aspiring business owners struggle to secure startup capital, investment funding or affordable credit due to a lack of collateral, business track records or financial resources.

To address this challenge, the department is calling for greater investment in youth-owned enterprises and more accessible funding mechanisms tailored to the needs of young entrepreneurs.

Improved financial support could help transform promising business ideas into sustainable enterprises capable of creating jobs and driving economic activity.

Skills Development and Mentorship Needed

Beyond financial support, the department emphasised the importance of skills development and mentorship programmes.

Many young entrepreneurs require business management training, technical expertise and guidance from experienced professionals to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.

The DWYPD believes that strengthening mentorship opportunities can significantly improve business survival rates and equip young entrepreneurs with the tools needed to succeed in competitive markets.

Skills development initiatives can also help prepare young people for opportunities in emerging industries and sectors experiencing rapid technological change.

Expanding Market Access and Procurement Opportunities

The department also called for increased efforts to connect youth-owned businesses with markets and procurement opportunities.

Many small businesses struggle to access customers, supply chains and government procurement programmes, limiting their ability to grow and create employment.

The DWYPD urged both public and private institutions to create more opportunities for youth-owned enterprises to participate in procurement processes and supply networks.

Greater inclusion in procurement programmes could provide young entrepreneurs with the stability and revenue needed to expand their operations and employ more people.

Supporting the Goals of the National Youth Policy

The department's call aligns closely with the objectives of South Africa's National Youth Policy.

The policy seeks to promote the meaningful economic participation of young people and position them as active contributors to the country's development agenda.

Rather than viewing young people solely as beneficiaries of government programmes, the policy encourages their empowerment as innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders and economic contributors.

The DWYPD believes that strengthening youth enterprise development is essential to achieving these goals and building a more inclusive economy.

Focus on Vulnerable Youth Groups

The department reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable groups of young people who often face additional barriers to economic participation.

These include:

• Young women.

• Rural youth.

• Township youth.

• Young men facing socio-economic challenges.

• Young people living with disabilities.

Through partnerships and targeted programmes, the DWYPD aims to ensure that these groups are not left behind in efforts to expand economic opportunities.

The department said inclusive growth requires deliberate measures to ensure that all young people can participate meaningfully in economic development regardless of their circumstances.

Building an Economy of Job Creators

As South Africa reflects on the legacy of the 1976 generation, the department believes the country must focus on creating an economy where young people are empowered to become job creators rather than solely job seekers.

Selala said the commemoration of the Youth Uprising should inspire renewed commitment from all sectors to invest in the country's youth.

"As the country commemorates 50 years since the Youth Uprisings, the legacy of the 1976 generation must translate into concrete opportunities for today's youth. Investing in youth entrepreneurship and enterprise development is both an economic imperative and a national responsibility," he said.

He added that South Africa's future prosperity depends on creating an inclusive economy that enables young people to lead innovation, drive growth and shape the country's development.

"The celebration of this significant milestone should inspire renewed commitment to building an inclusive economy where young people are not merely job seekers but job creators, innovators, and leaders of South Africa's future," Selala said.

As Youth Month 2026 unfolds, the department's message is clear: honouring the legacy of the youth of 1976 requires more than remembrance—it requires meaningful action to ensure that today's young people have access to the opportunities needed to build a prosperous and inclusive future.