Reducing Youth Unemployment in South Africa

Youth unemployment not only limits the earnings potential and future prospects of a new generation of South Africans, but it also stymies business growth, threatens social cohesion, and puts pressure on government resources. Yet data shows that there are half a million entry-level jobs vacant in the country, and with it, a real opportunity to expand economic inclusion. This paper looks at the efforts of government, employers, philanthropic funders, and training providers to bridge the gap between available jobs and first-time work-seekers. It shows that the most impactful interventions take place when these actors join forces and highlight two examples of cross-sectoral partnerships: the EOH Youth Job Creation Initiative and the Mentec Foundation. These initiatives are helping to place thousands of young, disadvantaged South Africans into jobs each year. The paper concludes with recommendations for employers, funders, training providers, and the government to entrench and extend the impact of such cross-sectoral partnerships.