the business and touches our entire value chain. Through
By working together we can make meaningful progress toward reducing youth unemployment and achieving Vision 2030
the products and solutions, we have on offer in driving financial inclusion, to the diversification of our staff compliment and supply to mention only a few areas. Our journey began by examining our business’s value chain, identifying areas where we could integrate DEI principles to create a more equitable and inclusive environment. I worked closely with our leadership team to develop and execute transformation interventions that are aligned with our business strategy, ensuring that our efforts were deliberate,
To get back on track, I believe that the government and
measurable, and sustainable.
private sector need to intensify their collaboration and focus on the following:
ARE WE ON TRACK TO ACHIEVING VISION 2030? Youth unemployment is a pressing concern in South Africa,
• Education and skills development: Equip youth
and partnerships between the government and private
with skills that are portable i.e. the ability to use the
sector play a crucial role in addressing this issue.
skills both as an employee but also be able to start their own businesses.
In my view, the effectiveness of these partnerships is mixed.
• Entrepreneurship support: Encourage entrepreneurship
On the positive side, initiatives such as the Youth Employment
among young people by providing access to funding,
Service (YES) and the Presidential Youth Employment initiative
incubation, and mentorship programmes.
have shown promising results in creating job opportunities and
Entrepreneurship and small business development can
providing training for young people. The private sector has
significantly contribute to solving youth unemployment. By
also made significant contributions through apprenticeships,
supporting entrepreneurship and small business
internships, and mentorship programmes.
development, we can empower young people to create their own opportunities, drive economic growth, and
However, despite these efforts, youth unemployment remains
address the pressing issue of youth unemployment. •
a significant challenge.
Addressing structural issues: Tackle underlying structural issues, such as inequality and poverty, which
Regarding Vision 2030, South Africa’s National Development Plan aims to reduce unemployment to 6% by 2030. While
contribute to high levels of youth unemployment. • Drive collaboration: Strengthen partnerships between
there have been some improvements in recent years, the
government, private sector, and civil society
current pace of progress suggests that achieving this target
organisations to ensure a unified approach to addressing
might be challenging.
youth unemployment.
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