As youth unemployment continues to tighten its grip on South Africa, community organisations on the ground are stepping up to turn statistics into action.

With nearly half of the country’s young people still unable to find work, Midrand-based Risehub SA Community Forum is pushing for practical, local solutions that place young people and small businesses at the centre of development.

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According to Statistics South Africa, young people remain the most vulnerable group in the labour market.

The second quarter of 2025 results show that the number of unemployed youth increased by 39 000 to 4.9m compared to the first quarter, while youth employment rose marginally by 31 000 to 5.7m. As a result, the youth unemployment rate remained unchanged at a worrying 46.1%.

Against this backdrop, Risehub SA Community Forum has intensified its advocacy for the inclusion of residents, particularly youth, in economic and development opportunities across Midrand, with a special focus on Ward 112.

The community-based organisation has been actively engaging government institutions, schools, retailers, residential complexes, and construction stakeholders to promote youth empowerment, job creation, and local economic participation.

As part of its outreach programme, the forum visited the Office of the Chief Justice and Constitutional Hill, where it engaged supply chain officials and human resources management to present its organisational profile and explore opportunities for community involvement in procurement and employment processes.

Risehub SA chairperson Rammitsa Max Jacobs said the forum also visited Region A municipal offices to engage the ward councillor and urban coordinator on employment opportunities and coordinated ward development initiatives.

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“While these discussions are ongoing, the organisation remains committed to consistent follow-up through the proper channels to ensure that commitments translate into real opportunities for local people,” said Jacobs.

In the education sector, Risehub SA has partnered with five public schools within Ward 112, submitting its profile to be considered for inclusion in school supply chains. To strengthen these partnerships, the forum plans to appoint school liaison officers who will attend schools regularly and coordinate ongoing engagement and support.

This initiative aims to address long-standing concerns that local economic opportunities are often inaccessible to community members and to empower small businesses operating within the area.

Jacobs further highlighted successful engagement with Curro, where collaboration with the school’s main contractor, Bauen Construction, resulted in subcontracting opportunities for local businesses.

“Additional outreach efforts included engagements with local retailers, various construction sites across Midrand, and attempts to engage [real estate developer] Cosmopolitan regarding subcontracting opportunities near Vodacom,” he added.

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The forum has also worked closely with residential complexes to promote lawful employment practices and encourage local hiring. Residents are urged to engage with the forum regarding any household or community initiatives that could create opportunities for local labour.

Central to Risehub SA’s work is a growing database of local suppliers and job seekers, enabling the organisation to efficiently match opportunities with community members.

The forum continues to approach more complexes and retailers and has called on the government to actively empower local SMMEs to ensure that economic growth benefits residents and small businesses alike.

“We remain committed to advocating for inclusive, community-centred development that truly uplifts local communities,” Jacobs concluded.

Contact Risehub SA Community Forum on 077 468 9224.

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