Entrepreneurship: A solution to the unemployment crisis

The high and growing unemployment among the youth is a serious concern. According to the latest report by Statistics South Africa, the official unemployment rate for young people (ages 15–24 years) is 63.2%.
COVID-19 made the situation even worse. Only one fifth of those employed in October 2020 still had a job in January 2021 – and 31% of these job losses occurred among the youth.
We at South32 believe this is a crucial time to empower the youth with the necessary knowledge to become self-sufficient and build their own future by means of entrepreneurship.
By starting their own companies, they can learn how to earn their own income and

also contribute towards the local economy. We truly believe that entrepreneurship is a solution to this country’s unemployment crisis. This publication, ‘Sail Your Own Ship’, exclusively focuses on young entrepreneurship with the aim of empowering the youth (school-going children and young adults) with information and advice on how to start one’s own company.
We trust that this publication will make a meaningful and tangible difference among the youth in our local community.

CALVIN MKHABELA
Vice President of Operations | Hillside Aluminium