Buti Manamela calls for stronger links between learning and employment

Speaking ahead of Youth Day on June 16, Manamela reflected on the significance of the historic student-led uprising, which became a defining moment in the struggle against apartheid.

As South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela says the country's priority must be creating more opportunities for young people through education, skills development and employment pathways.

Speaking ahead of Youth Day on June 16, Manamela reflected on the significance of the historic student-led uprising, which became a defining moment in the struggle against apartheid. He said the values that inspired young activists decades ago — access to education, equality, dignity and social justice — continue to shape his work as a government leader today.

A former student activist and youth leader, Manamela believes education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives. He stressed that millions of young South Africans view learning and skills development as a route to economic participation and a better future.

His comments come at a time when youth unemployment remains one of the country's biggest challenges. According to Statistics South Africa's Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2026, youth unemployment rose to 45.8%, with 4.7 million young people between the ages of 15 and 34 currently unemployed.

To address this challenge, the Department of Higher Education and Training is pushing ahead with reforms aimed at connecting education more closely with labour market needs. The minister said the country can no longer afford to produce qualifications that do not match economic realities or industry demand.

One of the key developments this year has been the introduction of 24 new occupational qualifications at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Developed in partnership with industry, these programmes focus on practical skills and workplace readiness, giving students better prospects of securing employment after graduation.

Manamela said the reforms form part of a broader effort to modernise South Africa's post-school education and training system. To date, 948 occupational qualifications and part-qualifications have been registered on the National Qualifications Framework, creating more learning pathways aligned with emerging industries and economic opportunities.

The department is also working with employers, industry bodies, quality councils and education institutions to strengthen workplace learning opportunities and ensure students gain practical experience while studying.

A major focus of the government's strategy is the revitalisation of TVET colleges. Later this year, the department is expected to unveil a comprehensive turnaround strategy aimed at improving infrastructure, lecturer development, student support services and partnerships with industry.

Manamela described TVET colleges as central to South Africa's economic growth and industrialisation ambitions. He noted that stronger collaboration with businesses is already producing encouraging results and will be expanded further in the coming months.

The minister also addressed growing demand for higher education. While South Africa currently has 26 public universities, he said the solution is not simply creating more university spaces. Greater emphasis is being placed on developing multiple pathways into skills training, employment and entrepreneurship.

Alongside physical infrastructure projects, the government is investing in digital learning systems to widen access and prepare students for an increasingly digital economy.

Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, Manamela described the occasion as both a celebration and a moment for honest reflection. While access to education has expanded significantly over the past three decades, many young people still face unemployment, poverty and inequality.

"The work is far from complete," he said, pointing to youth unemployment, functional illiteracy and the number of young people outside education and training as some of the country's most pressing concerns.