Krystal Duncan-Williams, Project Lead at YouthCapital, has urged South African politicians to prioritise youth unemployment. Speaking in the wake of the recent elections, They emphasised the need for a cohesive and practical strategy to address the nation’s high youth unemployment rates.
With various parties vying for their agendas, a clear plan with practical steps is crucial
Duncan-Williams stated that YouthCapital has been actively engaging with partners and communities over the past three months to develop a strategic approach focused on three primary objectives.
Firstly, YouthCapital advocates for ensuring decent first work experiences for all young people through well-run, monitored and evaluated public employment programmes. These programmes are essential in providing the initial work exposure needed to integrate young people into the labour market.
Secondly, Duncan-Williams stressed the importance of equipping young people with 21st-century workplace skills. She called for industry-led skill development pathways, highlighting the disconnect between government-led initiatives and labour market needs.
Lastly, Duncan-Williams says that both formal and informal sectors must be strengthened to offer more entry points for young people into the labour market.
The New Government
The African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure a majority, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to call for a government of national unity (GNU). Ramaphosa emphasised the necessity of multi-party collaboration to tackle the country's severe challenges, including job creation, economic growth, and service delivery.
Duncan-Williams warned against infighting within the coalition government.
How are we going to make sure that the youth unemployment crisis and the youth sort of problem as people frame it is going to be top of mind for politicians in a context where the healthcare system is failing we have lots of discussions around NHI, we have lots of discussion around a Basic Income Grant and all of these big ideological ideas
Political Engagement and Accountability
Despite the severity of the youth unemployment crisis, Duncan-Williams noted that there is a decline in political engagement among young people. They pointed out that political parties tend to cater to older voters who participate more actively in elections, neglecting the needs of the youth.
Politicians have to meet young people where they are and they may think differently about how they campaign and make young people see the value of their vote in a way that they currently do not
