The Unholy Truth About South Africa’s Youth Unemployment Crisis
Did you know that South Africa’s youth unemployment rate has reached a staggering 45.4%? That’s right, nearly half of our young people are unable to find employment, and it’s not just a matter of lack of skills. The traditional university degree, once the golden ticket to a successful career, is no longer a guarantee of employment. In fact, it’s often a barrier to entry for many young people who can’t afford the costs or time commitment.
And it’s not just the youth who are affected. A whopping 35.5% of young South Africans are NEET (not in education, employment or training), further compounding the problem. It’s a vicious cycle of unemployment, poverty, and inequality that’s threatening to destroy the very fabric of our society.
So, what’s the solution? One option is online micro-credentials, which are compact courses certifying specific skills and knowledge. These micro-credentials can be stacked to create a unique skills-based CV, showcasing a candidate’s evolving skillset. They’re a more cost-effective way to upskill in a shorter time, and they can be adapted to the ever-changing job market.
But here’s the thing: micro-credentials are still viewed as non-credit bearing in South Africa, and policies are only slowly being introduced to recognize their value. It’s a missed opportunity for businesses to take the lead and empower our young people with the skills they need to succeed.
By offering micro-credential opportunities, companies can attract individuals invested in continuous learning and retain valuable employees. This ongoing development allows employees to gain niche skills quickly, enabling them to adapt within the company and contribute to overall productivity.
So, what’s holding us back? Is it fear of change? Lack of understanding? Or is it simply a matter of not knowing where to start? Whatever the reason, it’s time for us to wake up and take action. We can no longer afford to ignore the skills gap that’s plaguing our country.
The Time for Change is Now
It’s time for businesses to take the lead and offer micro-credential opportunities to our young people. It’s time for policymakers to recognize the value of micro-credentials and create policies that support their adoption. And it’s time for us to come together as a society to address the skills gap that’s threatening to destroy our economy.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make a change. Let’s empower our young people with the skills they need to succeed. Let’s create a brighter economic future for all.
Sources:
- SA’s youth unemployment rate is 45.4% (Stats SA)
- 35.5% of young South Africans are NEET (Stats SA)
- R1.6 trillion loss in unrealised economic potential due to the skills gap (W&RSETA)
- Policies being introduced to recognize the value of micro-credentials (CHE)
