Cape town: As the nation observes Youth Month in June, the government continues its efforts to enhance young people's access to the labour market and the economy, according to Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli. She emphasized the need for tangible job opportunities for young South Africans, who make up 59% of the population, expressing a collective desire for a government that serves all, particularly the youth.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mhlauli addressed the National Assembly in support of the Presidency Budget Vote presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa. She highlighted the historical resilience of South African youth over the past 50 years, noting that while they possess ideas, talent, and courage, access remains a significant barrier. Initiatives like the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), launched in 2020, are crucial in bridging this gap. The third quarter results for 2025/26 show significant progress, with 294,530 new earning opportunities created and over 5.77 million young people registered on the SA Youth platform.
The PYEI has facilitated access to more than 2.36 million earning opportunities since its inception, with young women benefiting from over 70% of these opportunities, addressing historical gender disparities. Mhlauli emphasized that the success of the PYEI demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing youth unemployment through targeted interventions and innovative solutions.
Further achievements include the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund, which exceeded its quarterly targets by enrolling over 9,170 young people and successfully placing more than 7,200 in employment. The Revitalised National Youth Service has placed 132,784 young people in paid service opportunities, with an additional 100,000 opportunities available on SA Youth.Mobi, inviting youth aged 18 to 35 to participate in community service and skills development programs.
Additionally, the Youth Employment Service (YES), a private sector-led initiative in partnership with the Presidency, has created over 228,000 youth jobs, with a 60% absorption rate into full-time employment. Notably, 17% of YES alumni have started their own businesses, supported by the program.
Mhlauli highlighted the country's progress in various sectors, citing statistics from Statistics South Africa's General Household Survey. Life expectancy at birth has increased from 55.2% in 2002 to nearly 67% in 2025. Furthermore, 84% of households live in formal dwellings, with over half owning their homes. Access to electricity reaches 94.9% of households, while 87.4% have piped water, benefiting an additional 8.1 million households since 2002.
In education, school participation reaches 96.6% by age 15, and 52.9% of adults have at least Grade 12, with 1.9 million students enrolled in public institutions of higher learning as of 2024.
