YOUTH DAY
Tumelo Dichabe
Professor Noluxolo Gcaza
Edwin Hlangwani
Dr Shevonne Henry
Anglo American ICT learnership graduates.
YOUTH DAY
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STILL RISING
The power and promise of South Africa's youth
Every year, Youth Day reminds us of the courage shown by young South Africans in 1976 – when they stood up against injustice with nothing but their voices and their will. Nearly ve decades later, the struggle continues, though its face has changed. Today, South African youth are still overcoming. They are breaking through barriers of unemployment, inequality and limited opportunities while stepping boldly into new frontiers such as digital innovation, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and entrepreneurship.
This magazine is a tribute to that ongoing journey – the battles fought, the progress made, and the road ahead. In these pages, you’ll meet young South Africans turning internships and learnerships into stepping stones to real careers as organisations rethink how education connects with the world of work. You’ll read about youth entrepreneurs using e-commerce to carve out their futures online and homegrown innovators making their mark in science and technology against the odds.
We also look deeper: at the legacy of Youth Day and how far we've really come in delivering equal opportunities for all. We examine critical issues such as gender-based violence, where early intervention is key to creating safe, empowering spaces for young people. And, we cast a critical eye on global platforms such as the Y20 – asking whether the promises made will translate into real policy shifts that uplift South Africa’s youth.
The spirit of 1976 was about demanding more, about refusing to accept less. That spirit still burns today in every young South African who rises above the challenges to claim their space, their voice and their future.
Let’s honour them – not just with remembrance, but with action.
Raina Julies, Editor
Contents
7
Y20: FROM TALK TO TRANSFORMATION
Will Y20 deliver real change for South African youth? A look at the promises and policy shifts expected.
8
EDUCATION FOR IMPACT
Partnering with purpose: how organisations are bridging the gap between education and the job market through internships and learnerships.
10
DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT
Building a generation of digital- rst innovators – meet the youth entrepreneurs nding success in e-commerce.
15
STEM EDUCATION AND INNOVATION
Next-gen innovators: young South Africans breaking new ground in science and technology.
20
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE EDUCATION
How early intervention can create safe spaces and amplify strong youth voices.
27
YOUTH DAY LEGACY
Re ecting on nearly 50 years since the 1976 uprising.
28
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS
Rising unemployment, youth struggles and shifting sector trends.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION
THE OLD MUTUAL EDUCATION TRUST is a testament to Old Mutual’s commitment to caring for the communities it serves and creating generational financial wellbeing
Established in 2005 as an empowerment initiative in partnership with 10 trade unions, The Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) was created to support union members and their dependants in pursuing tertiary education, ultimately transforming lives, uplifting communities and making a meaningful impact on the South African economy.
Founded two years after the enactment of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003, OMET aligns with the South African government’s vision of advancing economic transformation and increasing the participation of black South Africans in the economy.
OUR MISSION
OMET strives to provide nancial assistance and student development support to ensure the academic, personal and professional success of scholarship holders.
WHAT THE OMET SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS
1. Ensuring student success
Funding and technological enablement:
•A partial scholarship (currently R70 000).
•Provision of laptops when joining the programme.
Supporting students to achieve academic and personal success:
•A dedicated student support practitioner is linked to individual students, accompanying them on their journey until they exit the programme.
• Peer buddy support for rst-year students.
•Tutoring and learning support, including access to the Udemy learning platform.
• Access to psychosocial support services to ensure mental wellbeing.
• Academic development workshops.
•Access to resources and information to promote nancial wellbeing.
•An onboarding weekend for rst-year students and preparing nal-year students for life post-graduation.
Progressive policies that promote completion:
•Scholarship suspension and continued support if a student fails.
•Students who do not pass a year or need to pause their studies temporarily for medical or personal reasons will have their scholarship suspended. However, they will continue to have full access to all support services during this time to ensure they receive the necessary guidance and assistance.
•Support for nal-year students who do not pass. Final-year students who do not pass must submit a written motivation to the OMET board outlining their reasons for reconsideration. If their request is approved, they will be granted continued full support to complete their studies successfully.
2. Career development: OMET’s World of Work Programme
The World of Work (WoW) programme aims to equip OMET students and recent graduates with the essential skills to successfully navigate life post-graduation. This initiative was introduced by the OMET board in response to rising graduate unemployment.
a) Mentoring and coaching: key pillars of the programme.
• Mentorship: nal-year students are guided and supported by Old Mutual staff and OMET alumni who volunteer their time.
• Internship opportunities: graduates who have not yet secured employment or do not plan to pursue postgraduate studies can gain valuable work experience through internships.
• Vacation work: nal-year students can participate in structured work experiences.
• Professional development webinars: a series of webinars is available to all students, focusing on critical workplace skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, professionalism and personal development.
b) Achievements in 2025:
• Mentorship: 44 nal-year students were successfully paired with mentors – 18 Old Mutual staff members and 26 OMET alumni.
•Vacation work experience: 19 out of 23 nal-year students were placed in four Old Mutual business units where hosting teams created work-related challenges to strengthen their communication, critical thinking and professional skills.
• Self-development: all nal-year students completed the Insights Discovery personality test to better understand their strengths, areas for development and potential blind spots. A facilitated training session helped students interpret their results.
•Internships: nine graduates from the OMET programme have successfully secured internship positions at Old Mutual.
•Internship to permanent employment: ve graduates successfully transitioned into full-time roles following their internships.
THE WORLD OF WORK PROGRAMME AIMS TO EQUIP OMET STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES WITH THE ESSENTIAL SKILLS TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE LIFE POST-GRADUATION.
Impact on student success: OMET aims for 90 per cent of students to complete the programme with 80 per cent doing so in the shortest possible time. Although this goal is considered bold, we believe it can be reached. Currently, 86 per cent of OMET students complete their studies, with 60 per cent doing so in minimum time.
OMET PARTNER UNIONS
Democratic Nursing Association of South Africa (DENOSA)
South African Society of Bank Officials (SASBO)
National Teachers’ Union (NATU)
National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU)
National Union of Mineworkers (NUM)
Professional Educators’ Union (PEU)
Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU)
South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU)
The South African Chemical Workers’ Union (SACWU)
South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)
ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE
In 2025, OMET proudly celebrates 20 years of impactful service. Over the years, the Trust has invested R227.3-million, supporting 520 students in obtaining higher education quali cations across diverse elds. This milestone re ects OMET’s unwavering dedication to education and empowerment.
Graduates per fi eld of study
PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION: HOW OLD MUTUAL SUPPORTS OMET
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team from Old Mutual’s legal, corporate secretariat, nance, accounts, tax, compliance, communication, and events units ensures that OMET operates ef ciently while adhering to all regulatory requirements.
Human capital teams support the objectives of the WoW Programme by overseeing the onboarding of interns. The learning and development unit contributes to the Mentorship Programme by designing content and facilitating workshops to enhance student engagement and growth.
Furthermore, Old Mutual managers play a crucial role by welcoming interns and vacation work students into their business units, creating a dynamic learning environment that fosters professional development.
Additionally, Old Mutual also provides nancial support for the trust’s operational costs, ensuring OMET continues to function effectively and sustainably.
Y20: FROM TALK TO TRANSFORMATION Will Y20 deliver for South African youth?
Young people in South Africa should roll up their sleeves to ensure the recommendations of the Y20 South Africa 2025 Summit turn into tangible changes, writes BUSANI MOYO
With South Africa preparing to host the Y20 South Africa 2025 Summit as part of the broader activities leading to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November this year, the spotlight turns to the country’s youth, who are eager for tangible change that could shape their future. Beyond the podium and promises, what outcomes can young South Africans expect from Y20? Is this summit likely to ignite the policy shifts required to deal with the unique challenges or will it simply reiterate familiar rhetoric? We explore these questions in this article.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Tumelo Dichabe is a senior business advisor focused on enterprise development and a youth and women specialist dedicated to advocacy work at TechnoServe, a nonpro t organisation delivering solutions to poverty. Dichabe elucidates what the Y20 summit seeks to achieve: “The Y20 summit consistently aims to produce a communiqué re ecting the voices, concerns and recommendations of young people from G20 member states.” Regarding expected outcomes, he notes: “The expected outcomes include shaping global policy through advocacy on key issues such as climate change, youth employment, education, mental health, digital transformation and inclusive governance.”
Dr Shevonne Henry is a social entrepreneur and the founder of several organisations, including Margins Push Boundaries and Social Justice Solutions. She also chairs the Policy and Research Committee of the Black Management Forum. According to Dr Henry: “One of the key topics that will be discussed is sustainability, and the de nition of sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” She adds: “It is tting that we now have sustainable development goals that centre future generations in policy-making.”
Dr Henry also sits on the V20 group, writing on education, informality and the digital divide. She says one just needs to look at the state of affairs to see what the youth’s expectations for the Y20 are. “Youth are one of the most marginalised population groups in the world. Jobs are scarce, economies are contracting, the world is mired in con ict and protectionism, there is social dysfunction everywhere, and young people’s lives are lled with confusion and uncertainty,” she says. Therefore, it can be expected that the youth anticipate the Y20 summit to come up with recommendations that can clear some of this confusion.
BEYOND THE RHETORIC
Asked whether the discussions from the Y20 can be expected to result in tangible changes, Dichabe is cautiously optimistic. He says: “The answer, unfortunately, is mixed. South Africa has been represented at previous Y20 summits and its youth delegates have often raised pertinent issues, ranging from unemployment to education equity and digital access. Yet the translation of those discussions into national policy shifts has been inconsistent.”
Dichabe believes that if the summit commitments are to become a reality, the youth will have to roll up their sleeves and force change. He advises: “Young South Africans can expect policy shifts – if there is political will and if youth themselves apply pressure through advocacy, civic engagement and organised participation in policy forums.”
Dr Henry is more blunt: “Not much can be achieved from the summit without the support of the generation that created the current mess we are in.” She argues: “For substantive and transformative social change, the outcomes of the summit need to be supported by not only effective policy, but also the political will to address the myriad challenges facing the youth today. Indeed, the youth question for South Africa and the world needs a collective answer.”
Dichabe agrees: “Real change will depend on whether government departments are mandated to align their development agendas with Y20 priorities and whether those are backed by measurable action plans and resources.”
Follow: Tumelo Dichabe @ www.linkedin.com/in/tumelo-dichabe-4a1a732a Dr Shevonne Henry @ www.linkedin.com/in/shevonne-henry-8869a9247
Dr Shevonne Henry
Tumelo Dichabe
EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH REAL-WORLD WORK EXPERIENCE
In South Africa, work-integrated learning is more than a buzzword; it’s a lifeline for young people facing limited job prospects, writes ITUMELENG
MOGAKI
From apprenticeships and internships to graduate programmes and learnerships, we highlight programmes that are creating meaningful career pathways for the youth.
BLULEVER EDUCATION: APPRENTICESHIPS THAT WORK
BluLever’s model blends classroom learning with nine months of on-the-job training each year. Students begin with a two-month Leadership Base Camp focused on soft skills and mindset development. Backed by input from over 100 employer partners, the curriculum remains industry-relevant, boosting both employability and productivity.
This structure not only improves job placement rates, but also ensures small- and medium-sized businesses bene t from streamlined administration and incentives.
“At BluLever, we believe integrating practical training with technical education is one of the most powerful ways to solve South Africa’s youth unemployment and skills development crises. Our partnerships ensure students are mentored and immersed in real roles, learning directly on the job,” says Jess Roussos, co-founder and co-CEO of BluLever Education.
“Learners receive monthly stipends, mentorship and nationally recognised NQF quali cations. With at least forty per cent of the programme dedicated to workplace experience, students gain real IT exposure through placements in Anglo American’s information management team. Many graduates go on to pursue further education or launch their tech ventures, bene tting both communities and the economy,” says Nobangule.
L’ORÉAL: NURTURING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
L’Oréal SA offers four youth programmes, Seedz, Digital Internship, Winter Internship and General Internship, designed to prepare graduates for the modern workplace. Participants receive practical training, mentorship and career guidance across different business units.
“We believe in the power of youth and are passionately committed to empowering the next generation of leaders,” says Amanda Msomi, talent acquisition and EVP manager at L’Oréal. “These initiatives provide dynamic pathways for unemployed graduates to start their careers within our vibrant ecosystem.”
In addition, L’Oréal’s global Brandstorm competition gives young innovators a chance to pitch bold ideas with top nalists earning a career-de ning trip to Paris. Together, these programmes open doors to employment and future leadership roles.
dhk ARCHITECTS: EXPANDING ACCESS TO ARCHITECTURE
dhk Architects supports youth career development through various initiatives, focusing on mentoring under-represented groups in architecture. The studio offers job shadowing for school learners, provides internships for university students from disadvantaged backgrounds and nancially supports students for full-time architecture studies.
Over the past decade, dhk has helped around 25 individuals, including Go4Gold participants, gain hands-on experience and academic support. The programme has successfully supported career growth, as seen in the journey of Kaneasha Hanning, a Go4Gold intern who gained invaluable insights into the profession.
BLULEVER GRADUATE JOURNEY
ANGLO AMERICAN: BUILDING DIGITAL CAREERS
Anglo American’s ICT learnership is another standout programme, opening doors to careers in the fast-growing digital economy. “Learnerships like ours are critical in closing the gap between education and employment,” says Peggy Nobangule, education and community skills manager at Anglo American. “We focus on technical skills, such as cloud computing and graphic design, alongside the soft skills needed to thrive in today’s workplace.
Renske Haller, dhk partner and managing director, says: “We’re pleased to be part of a holistic programme that’s producing con dent, skilled graduate professionals. It’s been a pleasure watching Kaneasha’s progression and that of our other interns over the years, including those who didn’t necessarily pursue architecture after their internships.”
Follow: Renske Haller @ www.linkedin.com/in/renske-haller-a97b03b8
Amanda Msomi @ www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-msomi-257b78103
Peggy Nobangule @ www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-nobangule-4141842a
Jess Roussos @ www.linkedin.com/in/jess-roussos-76a9a828
GO4GOLD
Find out more about dhk Architects’ education to employment initiative
Anglo American ICT learnership graduates.
FILLING THE GAPS
Project Literacy runs several programmes that aim to fill the gaps hindering the progression to further education or employment for many school leavers and some adults, writes
LUNGILE
MOLEKO, CEO of Project Literacy
Project Literacy is a successful nonpro t organisation with over 50 years of experience, boasting 100 per cent unquali ed audits. We empower individuals through high-quality education and training, ultimately enabling them to thrive in a complex world. This is achieved through a variety of programmes designed to ll the gaps that prevent many school leavers and adults from progressing towards further education or employment. We also nd ways to address the educational needs of disadvantaged young people from birth upwards.
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube admitted in January 2025 that only about 51 per cent of the 1.2 million learners
who started Grade 1 in 2013 had completed high school. Project Literacy has adapted to meet the changing needs of its bene ciaries, focusing on ways to help those who have “slipped through the cracks”, in other words, adults and youth who have missed out on formal education.
TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR EVERYONE
Our offerings include accredited courses leading to quali cations that are quality assured by Umalusi, such as the General Education and Training Certi cate and the Amended National Senior Certi cate, foundational learning and adult education programmes certi cated by the Independent Examinations Board, and early childhood development (ECD) and adult educator quali cations accredited by the ETDP SETA and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. These courses cover various subjects, including literacy, numeracy and vocational skills, empowering youth to pursue further education or enter the workforce.
With only 28.5 per cent of children attending an ECD programme, as recorded by Stats SA in 2021, our family literacy programme helps children who would otherwise likely join the 81 per cent of Grade 4 learners who cannot read for meaning. Our successful Run Home to Read (RHTR) programme, launched in 2006, targets children from birth to the end of the foundation phase. It addresses the lack of ECD resources in underserved communities by training local unemployed youth with a minimum senior certi cate quali cation as
“reading champions.” These reading champions visit homes to engage children and caregivers in literacy activities using home languages, thereby promoting early literacy and cognitive development. The champions receive support and a stipend and gain con dence and experience that results in many of them seeking further training that leads to job opportunities. Some schools also bene t from the assistance of our reading champions and materials.
SUCCESS STORY
We’re particularly proud that our learners and adopted families have gone on to achieve great success in their education and training endeavours. One such example is Thulisile Mahlangu, a 30-year-old woman based in Soshanguve. She is one of our rst RHTR bene ciaries, having participated in the family literacy programme with her mother when the project was launched in 2006. After completing matric, she pursued her passion for early childhood development.
Mahlangu now runs a family-owned creche from her mother’s house in Soshanguve. The Masimbonge Early Learning Centre is registered and fully compliant with Department of Basic Education legislation. Mahlangu is currently studying towards a BEd degree in Foundation Phase Teaching with the SANTS Private Higher Education institute. Support us and we can support you! We can manage entire projects for our clients, providing accredited programmes, trainers, materials, monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance. Above all, we have the capacity with regional of ces in all nine provinces.
VISIT WEBSITE
SCAN THIS QR CODE TO GO TO THE PROJECT LITERACY WEBSITE
For more information: 012 323 3447 info@projectliteracy.org.za www.projectliteracy.org.za
Lungile Moleko
THE DIGITAL BRIDGE: E-COMMERCE AS A CAREER PATHWAY IN SOUTH AFRICA
How platforms, training and persistence are creating new economic pathways for youth in a digitally divided nation. By BRENDON PETERSEN
Despite e-commerce’s global spread, its potential as a career pathway for South African youth remains largely unrealised. The question of how young South Africans might transition from digital consumers to creators sits at the intersection of education, opportunity and infrastructure.
“It’s a common narrative that South Africa suffers from unequal digital access – but I think we need to reframe how we look at it,” argues Mishaan Ratan, CMO of Rentoza. “While xed-line infrastructure like bre may still only reach around thirty per cent of households, mobile connectivity in South Africa is remarkably high with penetration sitting at around ninety- ve per cent.”
The issue, Ratan suggests, isn’t binary access but graduated capability: “Access, in its broadest sense, isn’t the problem anymore – nearly everyone has a mobile phone and a way to get online. The challenge is now around the quality of access: data affordability, network speed and device capability.”
These subtle gradients of digital inclusion shape who can meaningfully participate in e-commerce ecosystems.
The Youth Employment Service (YES) has positioned itself at this in ection point, working to convert theoretical access into economic participation. “YES is a demand-led organisation working with 1 800-plus corporate sponsors,” explains Ravi Naidoo, CEO of YES. “In the past twelve months, 43 033 youth got jobs through YES, making it the largest private sector-funded youth jobs programme in South Africa.”
EMERGING ENTREPRENURIALISM
Beyond immediate employment, YES has witnessed emerging entrepreneurialism among its participants. “Seventeen per cent of YES Youth alumni are currently engaged in entrepreneurial activity with many using the foundational digital knowledge acquired in the programme to power their businesses,” notes Naidoo. The programme speci cally places about 3 500 YES youth into digital and e-commerce jobs every year.
“South Africa’s youth represent not only future customers, but also tomorrow’s business leaders and innovators,” says Robert Koen, Amazon managing director for sub-Saharan Africa. Amazon has established infrastructure speci cally designed to support emerging entrepreneurs, including “Seller University ... a comprehensive online learning platform that provides free, self-paced training through video tutorials, detailed guides and interactive modules”.
THE CHALLENGES
Yet signi cant gaps remain between entry and sustainability. As Ratan candidly observes: “E-commerce does lower traditional barriers to entry. With the right tools, someone can spin up a store, start selling and build a customer base – often without needing physical retail space or major capital outlay. But that’s only the beginning.”
The transition from starting to sustaining represents the critical juncture where many falter. “Moving from a solo-run store to a fully edged, sustainable business involves entirely new layers of complexity: hiring, funding, supply chain, logistics and
compliance,” Ratan explains. “These are signi cant hurdles many don’t see coming because the entry was so deceptively smooth.”
For those attempting to scale, South Africa presents distinct challenges that defy templated growth strategies. “Over the past decade, South Africa has experienced signi cant economic and political volatility – and building a business in this environment means navigating uncharted territory,” says Ratan. “The traditional ‘growth at all costs’ narrative doesn’t hold up in our context.”
This necessitates a recalibration of expectations. “The growth trajectory in South Africa isn’t linear – what we saw last year isn’t what we’re seeing now, and certainly not what we’ll see next year,” Ratan observes. “Success here doesn’t always look like Silicon Valley, and that’s okay. It can still be transformative –just on our own terms.”
What emerges is a more nuanced understanding of digital empowerment; one that recognises both progress and persistent challenges. E-commerce presents not simply a business model, but also a tool for broader economic inclusion.
As Naidoo concludes, the rst necessary change would be “to reform public education with a strong focus on real digital uency, rather than outdated computer literacy”. Without such fundamental shifts, the promise of e-commerce as a career pathway for South African youth may remain partially ful lled – accessible to some but elusive for many.
Since 2021, the partnership between YES and Amazon Web Services has created 155 high-impact work experiences – from junior cloud engineers to software engineering interns – for unemployed black youth
Follow: YES @ www.linkedin.com/company/yes4youth
Mishaan Ratan @ www.linkedin.com/in/mishaan-ratan-09510b12
Ravi Naidoo @ www.linkedin.com/in/ravi-naidoo1
Robert Koen @ www.linkedin.com/in/robertkoen
Mishaan Ratan
Ravi Naidoo
Robert Koen
Shifting focus to the industrial space
THE COLLEGE OF CAPE TOWN is dedicated to offering accredited occupational programmes aligned with the skills most needed by commerce and industry
The College of Cape Town (CCT) TVET has a proud history of providing quality teaching and learning to students and preparing them for industry, aligned with the National Skills Development Plan (2030). The plan seeks to ensure South Africa has adequate, appropriate and high-quality skills that contribute towards economic growth, employment creation and social development.
Courses offered by CCT lead to recognised, accredited quali cations in skills that are highly demanded by commerce and industry. The occupational programmes offered by the college are ideal for individuals aiming to enter the workforce directly or enhance their existing skills.
CCT’s strategic direction is in line with the Department of Higher Education and Training’s current drive to upscale occupational quali cations. The programme quality mix at CCT’s eight campuses mirrors the strategic direction.
OUR CAMPUSES
Gardens BPO Skills Centre
• The College of Cape Town, in 2020, embarked on a journey in collaboration with the Western Cape Government, Cape BPO (business process outsourcing), various
SETAs and many other stakeholders and partners to ensure it provides the necessary skills and nurture existing skills to give the youth the best possible chances and increase their employability.
•The College of Cape Town’s BPO Skills Centre was fully refurbished and converted into a state-of-the-art BPO facility. it boasts a fully functional 72-seater Contact Centre, operated by an external industry partner to support work-integrated learning, two simulation labs and two standard classrooms equipped with the best, from noise-blocking headsets to top-of-the-range computers and software.
City Campus
• As South Africa’s hospitality industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled, adaptable and passionate chefs has never been higher. The CCT’s Hospitality Department, conveniently based in Cape Town’s CBD, is answering this call through its comprehensive Occupational Certi cate: Chef – NQF Level 5 programme. This three-year, full-time quali cation is a launchpad for aspiring chefs aiming to achieve culinary excellence. It also serves as an opportunity for chefs who have not been formally trained but have years of industry experience to obtain a chef’s quali cation recognised by the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) through an Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning.
• The Art and Design Department at the City Campus offers a National Diploma course that includes training in graphic design, photography, drawing, graphic processes and history of art. The course is divided into 18 months of practical and theoretical classes, with a further 18 months of work-based experience. These programmes often emphasise interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies, preparing graduates to integrate seamlessly into professional environments.
THE OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY THE COLLEGE ARE IDEAL FOR INDIVIDUALS AIMING TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE DIRECTLY OR ENHANCE THEIR EXISTING SKILLS.
Crawford Campus
• Crawford Campus is taking the lead by offering the Occupational Certi cate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner as well as the Occupational Certi cate: Computer Technician.
• The campus houses the Children Academy, which offers many students the opportunity of a mentorship journey, equipping them with workplace knowledge, skills and experience in how young children develop and learn.
Wynberg Skills Centre
• The Hairdressing Department is acknowledged and respected by the service SETA/QCTO and the Department of Higher Education and Training. Wynberg Campus’ hairdressing staff are the forerunners in implementing the Occupational Certi cate: Hairdresser, and the key role players in capacitating all TVET colleges offering hairdressing in South Africa.
• A cornerstone of the department’s success lies in its hands-on involvement with WorldSkills, where it boasts an in-house national expert (South Africa) and chief expert (Africa). Since 2013, students have consistently competed in WorldSkills events, earning various medals and representing South Africa on the national and international stage.
• Similarly, the Beauty Therapy Department, with a proud legacy spanning more than 20 years, has built strong partnerships with international and local stakeholders. This long-standing commitment was recently recognised with the Distinguished Center Award from its international quali cation body, ITEC, celebrating the department’s consistent delivery of high standards in training and education.
Guguletu Campus
• Business studies are offered across three of CCT’s campuses, including Guguletu, Crawford and City Campus. These campuses are accredited to offer the Occupational Certi cate: Project Manager, and are eager to partner with companies/ employers to manage their in-house training.
Athlone Campus
• Recognised as a centre of specialisation for the Occupational Certi cate: Automotive Motor Mechanic and Occupational Certi cate: Diesel Mechanic, the Athlone Campus has strong ties with industry partners and other stakeholders in the Automotive industry.
Thornton Campus
• Accredited to offer a vast number of occupational certi cates and skill programmes in building, civil and mechanical engineering, and recognised as a centre of specialisation for the Occupational Certi cate: Plumber.
• Accredited occupational certi cates include bricklayer, carpenter, mechanical tter, tter and turner, and welder.
• Skills programmes: plumbing hand, bricklayers assistant, assistant handy person, coded welding, domestic water and drainage pipe repairer, shielded metal arc welder, and general residential repairer.
Pinelands Campus
• More than 50 per cent of CCT’s students in electrical, refrigeration and robotics are female. In the era of Industry 4.0, digital empowerment is non-negotiable. The Pinelands Campus (offering electrical engineering) leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver hands-on training in digital tools, automation systems and online platforms, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to navigate and lead in the digital landscape. Through dedicated mentorship, leadership programmes, and equal access to resources, CCT helps bridge the gender gap in engineering. The college is accredited for the Occupational Certi cate: Electrician and the Skills Programme: Energy Performance Certi cate Practitioner.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS SUPPORTING THE COLLEGE’S STRATEGIC DIRECTION
BDIEU (Business Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit)
The unit was established in 2022 to streamline and centralise third-stream revenue generation of the college through collaborative partnerships, funding of student tuition fees and maintenance and development of the college’s infrastructure and incubation hubs to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Following the successful launch of the BPO Skills Centre at the Gardens Campus in 2023, the unit is now in the process of establishing and launching the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator before the end of this year to provide a
specialised and dedicated centre to mentor and assist upcoming entrepreneurs that will contribute to the creation of jobs to unemployed and economically inactive South Africans.
E-Learning Unit
This unit plays a crucial role in advancing educational experience for both staff and students, ensuring the college remains at the forefront of technological innovation in education, thus enhancing teaching and learning experience through the effective use of technology.
Entrepreneurship
The WIL (Work-integrated Learning) Department achieved outstanding success when its students participated in the Alan Gray Makers Entrepreneurial Regional Competition held in Kimberley on 23 August 2024 – a testament to the hard work and talent of CCT’s students, as well as the dedicated support provided by the college. These initiatives demonstrate the extent to which the College of Cape Town recognises the importance of technical and vocational skills education for the development of industries and the economy of South Africa.
VISIT WEBSITE
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NEXT-GEN INNOVATORS
South Africa’s
science, technology, engineering and mathematics subject results are poor, but there’s an army of young innovators looking to reverse the trend, writes TREVOR CRIGHTON
Despite an ongoing decline in participation and success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in South African schools, those who excel are working hard to inspire others to embrace these subjects to bene t the country’s technological future.
TACKLING CYBERBULLYING
Professor Noluxolo Gcaza, associate professor at Nelson Mandela University, is driven to cultivate a cybersecure culture in South Africa. Stunned by the volume and ferocity of online bullying, she founded The Cyberculture Foundation to promote responsible internet use and digital wellness among youth. She leads a postgraduate cybersecurity course at Nelson Mandela University and is an independent nonexecutive director for the South African Banking Risk Information Centre.
She says the proliferation of smartphones and social media has made young people increasingly vulnerable to online harassment.
“Studies have shown that over eighty per cent of South African youth have experienced some form of cyberbullying, and many are unaware of how to report it or defend themselves against it. A study by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) indicated that cyberbullying has been linked to severe mental health challenges among teenagers, including anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts,” explains Gcaza.
Since being recognised as among the country’s brightest young minds by the Mail & Guardian in 2023, Gcaza’s work with The Cyberculture Foundation has gained signi cant momentum. “We’ve expanded our outreach programmes to include various initiatives aimed at educating people on online safety and responsible internet use. One major
development was the introduction of the annual Cybersecurity Moot Court Competition, which raises awareness around cybersecurity issues, but also provides participants with the opportunity to explore the legal aspects of cybercrime and online safety,” she explains
BRINGING PAST AND FUTURE TOGETHER
Edwin Hlangwani is a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, a BRICS Young Scientist and an African Union Award Winner. His research focuses on how to bring together emerging technology and indigenous knowledge to improve sustainable food systems in rural and semi-urban areas.
He has designed mathematical models and prototypes to simulate the large-scale production of traditional foods such as vukanyi (marula fruit beer), karri (Khoisan honey mead), umqombothi (sorghum beer) and vucema (palm wine). “South Africa is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, making it an interesting scienti c landscape where ancient food traditions and indigenous knowledge systems naturally intersect,” he explains.
socioeconomic and nutritional history. Our predecessors processed them in such a way as to maximise their health bene ts. In a nutshell, that is science. It is not different from what scientists do today. With modern technologies, their health bene ts can even be better enhanced – critical in this modern age where malnutrition is a major challenge. That is what appeals to me.”
Part of his job involves working alongside students from all levels, high school, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and young researchers worldwide. “The ‘work’ takes a form of its own with each group. For example, I volunteer as a life sciences teacher at the Thaba Jabula Secondary School Winter School Programme in partnership with the University of Johannesburg Soweto Science Centre. This programme is extremely transformative for matric students as they prepare to start their university degrees in biological sciences,” says Hlangwani.
His interest in indigenous foods is long-standing, thanks to his mother sharing stories of her childhood about growing crops, preparing traditional Tsonga foods, brewing African beers and making a variety of unique dishes, many of which he had never seen.
“Traditional foods often have a rich cultural,
“On the other hand, I collaborate with young researchers such as Emmanuel Lwele at the Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering, Shef eld Hallam University (United Kingdom). Together, we design and test machine learning models to predict the psychrotolerance of metschnikowia pulcherrima during the fermentation of marula fruit beer.”
With such inspiring young minds at the forefront of STEM subjects – and sharing their knowledge with young people – there’s hope for the technological future of South Africa.
“SOUTH AFRICA IS ONE OF THE MOST BIODIVERSE COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD, MAKING IT AN INTERESTING SCIENTIFIC LANDSCAPE WHERE ANCIENT FOOD TRADITIONS AND INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS
Follow: Professor Noluxolo Gcaza @ www.linkedin.com/in/prof-noluxolo-gcaza-a0746a46
Edwin Hlangwani @ www.linkedin.com/in/edwin-hlangwani-6a36b7142
Professor Noluxolo Gcaza
Edwin Hlangwani
BREAKING THE CYCLE
With South Africa still battling one of the world’s highest rates of gender-based violence, early intervention in schools is emerging as a key strategy to disrupt the cycle, writes MARCHELLE ABRAHAMS
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) published a landmark study during last year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign. The ndings were a painful reminder of the deep scars that gender-based violence (GBV) continues to leave on South African society – despite our progressive constitution. The study revealed that approximately 33.1 per cent of South African women aged 18 and older – an estimated 7.3 million – have experienced physical violence in their lifetime.
Children are often the unseen casualties of this violence. It spills over from homes into schools, perpetuating the destructive cycle from one generation to the next. The old adage, “violence begets violence,” sadly holds true.
SCHOOLS ON THE FRONTLINE
South Africa’s schools are emerging as the frontlines in the ght against gender-based violence. At the launch of the National Inclusive and Safer Schools Partnership (NISSP), Minister Angie Motshekga called for urgent support for learners exposed to violence. NISSP programmes, she said, create safe spaces where children can speak out, build coping skills, develop leadership and shift harmful behaviours before they take root. By rallying district of cials, civil society, educators and learner-leaders, NISSP is building a united front – making schools not just centres of learning, but hubs of prevention and resilience. Social development expert, researcher and practitioner at ALiGN, Rachel Marcus, hails these early interventions as game-changers. “Kids absorb gender norms before they even enter school. That makes schools critical battlegrounds for teaching healthier, respectful behaviours,” she says. At the heart of this movement is youth leadership. The NISSP’s Masifunde Changemakers Network empowers learners to lead the charge, challenging peers and shifting attitudes from within.
Marcus champions these peer-led spaces as powerful tools. “They’re more relaxed than classrooms, giving kids room to open up, share ideas and break down old power
dynamics,” she notes. “Through human rights clubs and ambassador programmes, learners are no longer bystanders – they’re active agents driving gender justice and breaking the cycle of violence in their communities.”
EDUCATION THROUGH SPORT
Last year, community development NPO Rhiza Babuyile, in collaboration with the Johan Cruyff Foundation, launched two Cruyff Courts – at the Rhiza Agricultural Farm in Orange Farm and Louwville High School in Vredenburg.
Alef Meulenburg, founder of the Rhiza Foundation, says these soccer courts serve as safe spaces that nurture children’s physical and mental wellbeing while promoting gender equity and challenging harmful social norms.
Farid Gamei, senior project manager at the Johan Cruyff Foundation, adds: “The courts
will contribute to the ght against gender-based violence, as they provide a platform for social activism and positive community engagement.” In these spaces, sport becomes more than a game – it becomes a tool for change.
BREAKING THE CYCLE AT GRASSROOTS
LEVEL
Cape Town’s Saartjie Baartman Centre has become more than just a shelter – it’s a beacon of holistic healing and empowerment for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Established in 1999, the centre offers integrated services under one roof, combining emergency accommodation with legal, medical and psychosocial support. However, for the centre, breaking the cycle of violence requires going beyond crisis response – it means tackling the root causes through prevention and education.
Social worker Ameerah Rojan says their flagship Child Protection Programme (CPP) is central to this mission. The CPP includes:
• School-based awareness and education campaigns that challenge harmful gender norms and promote respectful relationships among learners.
• Individual counselling and trauma support for at-risk youth, particularly those who have witnessed or experienced violence in the home.
• Community dialogues and workshops aimed at engaging parents, caregivers and community leaders in conversations about violence prevention.
“One of our latest developments is a new programme specifically targeting young boys at risk of being drawn into gang violence,” explains Rojan. “By addressing the intersection between GBV, youth violence and crime, we’re creating interventions that are not only protective, but also transformative.”
As Rojan alludes to, if we can reach them early – before violence becomes normalised –we have a real chance of breaking the cycle for good.
Follow: Rachel Marcus @ www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-marcus-143a8969
ALiGN @ @ALIGN_Gender | @alignplatform
Rhiza Babuyile @ @rhizababuyile sa | @Rhixa Babuyile
Saartjie Baartman Centre @ @saartjiebaartmancentre
Rhiza Babuyile’s education through sports in partnership with Johan Cruyff is an intentional safe spaces initiative that will be used to support the fight against gender-based violence.
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
How Exxaro empowers
the youth to
power
possibility
As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, EXXARO reaffirms its commitment to empowering young people across its host communities and beyond through education, skills development, leadership acceleration and enterprise support
UNLOCKING REAL POTENTIAL
Duduzile Nxumalo (32) was born and raised in Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal. Her upbringing has shaped her values and the way she approaches her life and career. She holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Pretoria and is currently based at Grootegeluk Mine. Her journey with Exxaro started through the Professional-in-Training (PIT) Programme. During her third year as a PIT, she joined the project management team, marking the beginning of her exposure to multidisciplinary work, including electrical projects, and broadening her technical perspective beyond civil engineering.
“It is here that I was entrusted with leading an innovative project that resonates deeply with Exxaro’s vision for a sustainable future: the development of a proof of concept for converting a diesel light delivery vehicle into a fully electric vehicle.
“This experience has not only expanded my technical and leadership capabilities, but also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to Exxaro’s decarbonisation goals. Being part of a company that values innovation has made this journey both professionally rewarding and personally ful lling,” she says.
“BEING PART OF A COMPANY THAT VALUES INNOVATION HAS MADE THIS JOURNEY BOTH PROFESSIONALLY REWARDING AND PERSONALLY FULFILLING.”
– DUDUZILE NXUMALO
Jonathan Qwazi
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN LEARNING AND EARNING
Jonathan Qwazi (24), from Kareedouw in the Eastern Cape, is on a promising path toward a career in renewable energy. His journey began when he received a bursary to study electrical engineering at Midlands College, funded by Cennergi – Exxaro’s renewable energy business – through the Tsitsikamma Wind Farm Trust.
After completing his N6 qualification, Qwazi was selected for a 12-month critical skills development programme made possible through Exxaro’s strategic partnership with 3Energy, a leading facility management company in Tsitsikamma. The programme offers him hands-on experience and exposure to the fast-growing renewable energy sector.
Once the programme concludes, Qwazi will be well-equipped to step into a role as a renewable energy technician — a career path with strong future potential.
“This invaluable opportunity is helping me build the skills I need to thrive,” he says. “The collaboration between Tsitsikamma Wind Farm Trust, Cennergi, and 3Energy has opened a whole new world to me, allowing me to learn, grow, and take confident steps toward a career that holds real promise for the future.”
Duduzile Nxumalo
FUTURE-PROOFING MINING THOUGH INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Noella Molefe (34) is a senior specialist for climate change and air quality, based at Exxaro’s head office. Her role involves supporting Exxaro’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through the identification and
TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE IN ACTION
Masego Madiba (28) serves as the personal assistant to the business unit manager at Leeuwpan Mine, a strategic role that ensures the seamless operation of the management offi ce. She provides crucial administrative support, acts as a communication liaison, and is often the fi rst point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders.
Her journey with Exxaro began when she joined the company as an HR intern. Her dedication and potential quickly stood out, leading to her permanent appointment in the business unit manager’s offi ce.
“Something about the name Exxaro sparked my interest while I was job hunting,” she recalls. “I started researching the company, and the more I learned about its values, especially its commitment to sustainability and transformation, the more certain I became that this was where I wanted to grow.”
Since joining Exxaro, Madiba has found not just a career, but a community of role models and opportunities. “Seeing so many women who look like me in senior positions has been a powerful reminder that I’m
reduction of climate-related risks across Exxaro’s operations. She also ensures there is compliance with national and international environmental standards, including developing and implementing strategies to lower carbon emissions and improve air quality, while supporting a just energy transition.
“I joined Exxaro driven by a passion to contribute to meaningful climate action and sustainability in the mining sector. Exxaro has empowered me to power possibility through my exposure to impactful and forward-thinking projects that drive real change. One of the most exciting initiatives was implementing our first carbon offset pilot project, aimed at addressing hard-to-abate emissions (methane emissions), demonstrating Exxaro’s commitment to innovation and sustainability,” Molefe says.
part of an organisation that doesn’t just speak about empowerment and transformation, it lives it. In them, I see a refl ection of what’s possible.”
With Exxaro’s support, Madiba is currently pursuing her honours degree, a milestone that once felt unreachable due to fi nancial constraints. Her role has enabled her to support her family and become, in her own words, “a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change and generational blessings that I know will ripple far beyond me”.
BUILDING A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Sithembiso Zuke (29) is a geologist at Exxaro’s Belfast Coal, South Africa’s rst digital and connected mine. He holds a BSc honours degree in geology from Wits University.
His role today focuses on managing the mine’s strategic system constraint – the resource itself – to ensure its optimal and sustainable extraction. It’s a position that demands both technical expertise and strategic foresight.
“My journey with Exxaro began in 2021 and I mean it when I say I joined an organisation that truly lives up to its promise of powering possibility. Through the support of my leaders, I was empowered to pursue postgraduate studies in mineral resource throughput management, a programme deeply rooted in the theory of constraints.
“This experience has developed my professional capabilities profoundly, equipping me with the tools to integrate optimal operational problem-solving with strategic, critical thinking. As I look to the future, I remain committed to growing both as a geologist and as a strategic contributor to the mining industry’s evolution, one driven by innovation, sustainability and purpose,” he says.
Sithembiso Zuke
Masego Madiba
Noella Molefe
YOUTH INTERRUPTED South Africa’s generation of promise amid unemployment and inequality
Forty-nine years after the Soweto uprising and thirty-one years into democracy, young South Africans are still navigating the deep faultlines of inequality, joblessness and social exclusion. Yet despite staggering statistics, many remain hopeful, calling for urgent action and accountability to build the South Africa they want to live in, writes RYLAND FISHER
A generation on the edge
Fifty per cent, 20.9 million, 15–24, 10.3 million, 46.1 per cent, 50.3 per cent. These are not just numbers – they re ect the lived reality of young South Africans, 49 years after the Soweto uprising and 31 years into democracy. As we mark Youth Month, these statistics remind us of a generation still waiting for the promise of equal opportunity, According to Statistics South Africa’s latest Q1:2025 data, young people aged 15 to 34 make up 50.2 per cent of the country’s working-age population – roughly 20.9 million individuals. Among them, the 15–24 age group, comprising around 10.3 million young people, faces the greatest hurdles in accessing work. Youth unemployment is not a new challenge, but one that has remained stubbornly high, and even worsened over time.
In 2015, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15–34 stood at 36.9 per cent. By the rst quarter of 2025, it had escalated to 46.1 per cent – a 9.2 percentage point increase. For those in the 15–24 age group, unemployment reached a staggering 62.4 per cent, up from 50.3 per cent ten years ago. Even among the 25–34 age cohort, the rate grew from 31.4 to 40.4 per cent. These aren’t just numbers; they signal the deterioration of prospects for millions of young South Africans.
Gender gaps and structural barriers
The youth labour market is not only strati ed by age and geography – it also reveals deep gender inequalities. In Q1:2025, the NEET rate (Not in Employment, Education or Training) for those aged 15–24 was 37.1 per cent. Within this group, young women were marginally
more affected (37.5 per cent) than young men (36.7 per cent).
The gap widens signi cantly in the broader 15–34 age bracket. The overall NEET rate was 45.1 per cent, but among young women, it surged to 48.1 per cent, compared to 42.2 per cent for men. This illustrates a persistent gender gap in access to education, work and skills development.
To make matters worse, young women must also navigate the harsh realities of gender-based violence. Research from the Human Sciences Research Council shows that:
•33.1 per cent of women aged 18 and older have experienced physical violence.
•9.8 per cent have experienced sexual violence, with 7.9 per cent of these cases involving an intimate partner.
•The WHO estimates that 60 000 women and children in South Africa fall victim to domestic violence annually.
A crisis of hunger, violence and mental health
Beyond employment, youth in South Africa face an intersection of other hardships:
•Over one million students are enrolled at the country’s 26 public universities, many reliant on NSFAS for support.
•In communities like the Cape Flats, gang violence continues to claim young lives annually.
• Countless young people go to bed hungry due to household income insecurity.
• An alarming number battle undiagnosed and unsupported mental health conditions.
Each of these statistics tells a story of a generation in distress – waiting for meaningful intervention.
Frustrated but Still Hopeful
Last year, in this publication, we spoke with young people from diverse backgrounds. While frustrated, they were not without hope. Many recognised that South Africa has the potential to turn things around – but not if left to politicians alone.
This echoes feedback from past youth dialogues I’ve been a part of on “The South Africa We Want to Live In”, where young people expressed that real change would require collaborative efforts from government, business, and civil society. Each sector must be held accountable by an active and engaged citizenry. The people of South Africa are patient, but there are limits – and we are approaching them.
The July 2021 unrest, which caused widespread economic damage, served as a warning. Ignoring the systemic exclusion of youth is not just a social risk – it’s a national security one.
Transformation is not just desirable; it’s necessary for survival. A more sustainable and inclusive future demands urgent action. Young people are growing disillusioned with democracy, and the alternatives are too grim to imagine.
South Africa cannot afford to waste any more time. If we do not reverse the tide of youth unemployment and exclusion, we risk losing not only the next generation, but the soul of our democracy.
Follow: Ryland Fisher @ www.linkedin.com/in/ryland-fisher-13b244
DRIVING CHANGE FOR A HEALTHIER EARTH, STARTS WITH YOU
The AEL’s Conservation Ecology programme, on the banks of the Orange River, combines natural and social sciences with adventure. Shaping future environmental leaders.
WORLD FOOD DAY
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