Government’s Commitment to Youth Employment and Economic Growth
As the government strives for faster and more inclusive economic growth, addressing youth unemployment remains a top priority. Various large-scale initiatives are being implemented to create opportunities for young people to earn an income, develop essential skills, and gain valuable work experience.
In his address during the Presidency Budget Vote for the 2025/2026 financial year, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that youth unemployment is one of the most pressing challenges facing South Africa today. He noted that approximately 3.8 million out of 10.3 million young people aged 15 to 24 years are not in employment, education, or training. These individuals possess energy, initiative, and untapped potential, making their inclusion in the workforce crucial for national development.
The President emphasized that government has launched several programs to provide young people with income opportunities, skills development, and work experience. One such initiative is the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has demonstrated that investing in people leads to hope restored and futures rewritten.
Key Programs Addressing Youth Unemployment
One notable program is the Basic Education Employment Initiative, which entered a new phase in June this year. This initiative has placed over 200,000 young people as school assistants in more than 2,000 schools. To date, it has created over one million posts for young people to serve as assistants in schools, supporting teachers in classrooms, school administration, and maintenance.
This program aims to strengthen the learning environment and improve learning outcomes while providing participants with work experience and skills necessary for future employment or entrepreneurship.
Another significant initiative is the SAYouth.mobi platform, launched in 2020 to tackle barriers faced by young people, such as lack of experience, transport, or data access. Over 4.7 million young people are registered on the SAYouth network, with more than 1.67 million earning opportunities provided. The platform has successfully reached some of the most excluded groups, with 70% of opportunities accessed by young black African women. Additionally, 65% of users live in grant-receiving households, showing that the program is reaching those with the greatest need.
The Youth Employment Service (YES) was also highlighted as the largest corporate-funded youth jobs program globally. It has provided over 190,000 young people with year-long work experience opportunities, demonstrating the impact of coordinated efforts to combat unemployment.
Focus on Education and Skills Development
President Ramaphosa also addressed the importance of education in fighting poverty. He emphasized the need for early childhood development, foundational learning, and access to well-run schools. The government has completed 97% of sanitation projects under the SAFE initiative, aimed at eliminating pit latrines in schools.
The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act was implemented to update the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, to reflect current developments in the education landscape. Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), government is expanding access to higher education for students from poor and working-class families. This year, NSFAS supports over 800,000 university and TVET college students, offering opportunities that will transform the economy and society in the long term.
Healthcare and the National Health Insurance (NHI)
On healthcare, President Ramaphosa mentioned the government’s efforts to address the poor state of health facilities and improve access to services. This includes hiring more doctors, nurses, and health professionals, as well as permanently employing community health workers. The government is also purchasing new equipment and supplies to support the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
Despite the withdrawal of US funding, the government remains committed to meeting HIV testing and treatment targets. The National Treasury allocated R753 million to the Department of Health to bridge the shortfall caused by the reduction in HIV and TB grants. This decision came after the United States withdrew funding from key health initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), leading to a loss of R7.9 billion annually.
Strengthening Governance and Public Accountability
Governance and building a corruption-resistant state remain a priority for the government. The recent adoption of the Public Service Commission Bill by the National Assembly marks a significant step toward ensuring ethical governance. The bill enhances the independence and effectiveness of the Public Service Commission, compelling the executive to act on its recommendations and reinforcing accountability across the public sector.
Digital Transformation Roadmap
President Ramaphosa also introduced the Digital Transformation Roadmap, launched in April 2025, which aims to make government operations more efficient and bring services closer to citizens. The roadmap focuses on building digital public infrastructure, including a digital identity for every South African citizen. It also includes a digital payments system for instant, low-cost transactions and interoperable data systems to reduce the need for repeated information submission.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive, skilled, and digitally connected society, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life for all South Africans.
