Ramaphosa Unveils New Measures to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Ramaphosa noted that the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund has enrolled more than 9,000 young people, with over 7,200 successfully placed into jobs.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a series of initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment, while reaffirming the government's commitment to building an inclusive economy capable of creating sustainable jobs on a large scale. Speaking at the National Youth Day commemoration in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa outlined ongoing programmes designed to expand employment opportunities, strengthen skills development and improve young people's access to the productive economy.

Millions Reached Through Employment Programmes

The President highlighted the growing impact of the SA Youth.mobi platform, which now has more than 5.7 million registered young people. According to him, over two million participants have already accessed earning opportunities through the platform. He also pointed to the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has created work and livelihood opportunities for more than 2.5 million unemployed South Africans. Young people accounted for 82 percent of those beneficiaries, while women represented 66 percent.

Ramaphosa noted that the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund has enrolled more than 9,000 young people, with over 7,200 successfully placed into jobs. The revitalised National Youth Service has also provided paid service opportunities to more than 130,000 young people, while another 100,000 community service positions are currently available. He described these programmes as important entry points into the labour market, helping young people gain experience and improve their future employment prospects.

Skills Training Linked to Real Jobs

A major focus of the government's strategy is reshaping the education and skills system to ensure that qualifications translate into employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Ramaphosa said South Africa is strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and improving links between educational institutions, employers and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs). The goal is to align training programmes more closely with local economic needs and labour market demands. He stressed that practical workplace experience is as important as classroom learning and called for stronger collaboration between industry, educational institutions and communities.

The President also urged employers to provide opportunities for first-time job seekers, arguing that experience should not become a barrier to entering the workforce.

Infrastructure and Small Businesses to Drive Growth

Looking ahead, Ramaphosa announced that the government plans to invest R1 trillion in infrastructure over the next three years. The investment will support projects involving roads, schools, hospitals, electricity networks, railways and ports. He said these projects would create opportunities for apprenticeships, artisan training, skills transfer and youth-led enterprises.

The government also intends to use the Public Procurement Act to support businesses owned by young people, women and persons with disabilities. In addition, the small business portfolio has set a target of supporting one million micro, small and medium-sized enterprises during the current term of government.

Ramaphosa identified manufacturing, agriculture, mining beneficiation, renewable energy, logistics, tourism, digital infrastructure and the creative economy as key sectors capable of generating large-scale employment. He emphasised that young people must not only work in these industries but also build businesses and ownership opportunities within them.