Youth remain at centre of government's development agenda: Nonceba Mhlauli

Mhlauli said South Africa's young people have consistently demonstrated determination, creativity and resilience over the decades, from the historic events of June 16, 1976, to the present day.

Government says it is making steady progress in helping young South Africans access jobs, skills development opportunities and pathways into the economy through a range of targeted employment programmes.

Speaking during the Presidency Budget Vote debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli said young people remain at the centre of government's development agenda, particularly during Youth Month.

She noted that South Africans are looking for meaningful change that improves lives and creates real opportunities, especially for the country's youth who make up nearly 59% of the population.

Youth Need Opportunities to Match Their Potential

Mhlauli said South Africa's young people have consistently demonstrated determination, creativity and resilience over the decades, from the historic events of June 16, 1976, to the present day.

According to the Deputy Minister, the challenge facing many young people is not a lack of talent or ambition but limited access to opportunities that can help them build sustainable careers and livelihoods.

Government believes expanding access to employment, training and entrepreneurship programmes is essential to unlocking the potential of the country's youth and addressing persistently high unemployment levels.

Employment Programmes Delivering Results

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2020, continues to play a significant role in connecting young people with earning opportunities.

Mhlauli said the programme's third-quarter results for the 2025/26 financial year showed encouraging progress. During the quarter, the initiative facilitated 294,530 new earning opportunities, while more than 5.77 million young people registered on the SA Youth platform.

Since its launch, the intervention has helped create access to more than 2.36 million earning opportunities.

Young women have been among the biggest beneficiaries, accounting for more than 70% of opportunities accessed through SA Youth. Government says this is helping reduce long-standing gender inequalities in the labour market.

The Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund also exceeded expectations during the quarter, enrolling over 9,170 young people and successfully placing more than 7,200 into employment opportunities.

Mhlauli described the programme as an example of public funding being directed towards measurable employment outcomes.

Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Gain Momentum

The Revitalised National Youth Service has continued to expand its reach, with 132,784 young people already placed in paid service opportunities. A further 100,000 opportunities are currently available through the SA Youth platform.

The programme combines community service with practical work experience and skills development, giving participants valuable exposure that can strengthen future employment prospects.

Mhlauli encouraged young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to apply and take advantage of the available opportunities.

The Youth Employment Service (YES), a partnership between government and the private sector, has also recorded significant achievements. The initiative has created more than 228,000 youth jobs, with around 60% of participants securing full-time employment after completing the programme.

Entrepreneurship has emerged as another success story, with 17% of YES programme alumni going on to start their own businesses with support received through the initiative.

The Deputy Minister said partnerships between government and the private sector remain critical in creating sustainable opportunities for young people and preparing them for long-term participation in the economy.

She added that broader improvements in living conditions, education and access to services demonstrate the progress South Africa has made over the years. Statistics South Africa data shows rising life expectancy, increased access to electricity and piped water, higher levels of school participation and growing enrolment at institutions of higher learning.

Government maintains that continued investment in youth-focused programmes will remain a key priority as the country works to create more opportunities and build a stronger future for the next generation.