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2 clusters · 7 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated

South African youth unemployment and economic inequality

Overview

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a collaborative approach between the government, business, and labor to address rising youth unemployment and national inequality. In late October 2026, Ramaphosa noted that youth unemployment had reached 62.8% in the second quarter of the year.

Addressing the South African National Leadership Convening on Youth Employment, the President urged employers to view training and mentorship as economic investments rather than charity. He specifically challenged recruitment practices that exclude young people due to a lack of work experience, stating that “Certificates are not jobs” and emphasizing that a lack of experience should not be mistaken for a lack of ability.

In subsequent remarks at Johannesburg City Hall, Ramaphosa expanded his appeal to skilled professionals, academics, and business leaders. He argued that the responsibility for building an inclusive economy cannot rest solely on the state, calling on those with education and financial resources to help bridge disparities in education and economic access that persist in the post-apartheid era.

Entities

South Africa · Cyril Ramaphosa · African National Congress · Business Unity South Africa · Sandton

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Cyril Ramaphosa calls for shared responsibility to tackle inequality and youth unemployment

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged skilled citizens to help tackle inequality and called on employers to provide job opportunities for youth lacking work experience.

  2. [POLITICS] 6 sources
    Cyril Ramaphosa urges business to address South African youth unemployment

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South African businesses and government to break the cycle of youth unemployment by prioritizing workplace experience and sustainable career pathways over temporary roles

Sources

gagasiworld.co.za · insidepolitic.co.za · sabcnews.com · spotcovery.com · thesouthafrican.com · townpress.co.za · vocfm.co.za