EmpowaYouth gathers leaders to shape job solutions
Youth unemployment remains a national crisis, but EmpowaYouth is taking action. The upcoming Indaba will bring together key leaders to discuss sustainable employment solutions for young South Africans.
As South Africa faces an ongoing youth unemployment crisis, EmpowaYouth is set to take bold steps in addressing this pressing issue. The organisation, which has spent the past decade connecting young talent with opportunities in various industries, will host the EmpowaYouth Indaba on February 27. This key gathering will bring together leaders in job creation, employment policy, and advocacy to chart a path towards sustainable youth employment.
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With over 45.5 million young people struggling to find work, South Africa’s economic future is at risk. Youth unemployment not only threatens individual livelihoods but also hampers the country’s overall socio-economic development. Given that South Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world, the need for decisive action has never been greater.
EmpowaYouth has consistently worked to bridge the gap between young job seekers and industries in need of skilled workers. Through collaboration with partners such as the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), the organisation has played a pivotal role in transitioning young people into the workforce.
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The EmpowaYouth Indaba will be held under the theme: Reimagining Livelihoods and Recovering Lost Ground. It will focus on crucial areas aimed at transforming the labour market for young people. These include:
• Supercharging existing youth programmes: Bringing together organisations and initiatives that focus on youth development and job creation to achieve greater impact.
• Reframing employment: Promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to traditional jobs, particularly in the gig economy.
• Leveraging technology: Exploring ways technology can reduce barriers for young entrepreneurs and small business owners, fostering innovation and job creation.
• Addressing gaps in vocational training: Emphasising the value of vocational training and working with education and training authorities to ensure broader access to opportunities.
The Indaba will provide a platform for thought leaders to share insights on employment strategies, economic trends, and skills development. Discussions will be compiled into a high-impact report with actionable recommendations to address youth unemployment. The findings will be presented to the Presidency and National Treasury.
Sibongile Gangxa, the managing executive of special projects at Empowaworx. expressed the urgency of the initiative, stating: “Youth unemployment is everyone’s challenge. The time for action is now. We are calling on public and private sectors, civil society, and educational institutions to join us in building a sustainable future for South Africa’s young people.”
With its ambitious roadmap for 2025, EmpowaYouth remains steadfast in its mission to create meaningful opportunities for young South Africans, ensuring they are no longer left on the sidelines of economic participation.
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