RAMAPHOSA’S NEW EMPLOYMENT PLAN OFFERS YOUTH HOPE

IT IS no secret that South Africa has a massive unemployment problem. It is shameful that we have one of the worst youth unemployment rates in the world. Although the problem has existed for a prolonged period, there has been little willingness or resources to address it.

That our young people never get to experience the joy of starting a new job, knocking off on a Friday or indulging in a pay cheque represents the burden we have put on our youth. The burden manifests itself in depression and other mental health issues.

We should, therefore, welcome President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement about a Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, in his State of the Nation Address this month.

The intervention proposes five actions that will shift the needle on youth unemployment:

1. Building a national pathway management network for young work-seekers to view and access available learning and work opportunities. They will also receive a range of support services and work-readiness training to help them navigate their way into employment and other economic opportunities. Young people will receive a basic package of support in person, online and over the phone; and complete online assessments and training that can be matched to a wide range of opportunities.

2. Implementing agile, demandled workforce development programmes that allow young people to develop the capabilities required to take up new opportunities in growth sectors such as global business services, digital and technology, tourism, agriculture and social services, and help the sectors to expand. This will be achieved through short learning interventions matched to a real demand in the economy.

3. Supporting the township and rural economy by creating inclusive markets in areas such as the food economy, the green economy, health and education. To enable selfemployment and enterprise, the focus will be on systemic enablers such as connectivity, public infrastructure and market access.

4. Providing opportunities for workplace experience and ensuring that every student enrolled in TVET colleges can access workintegrated learning to complete their qualifications and enter the workplace.

5. Revitalising the National Youth Service to create opportunities for young people to meaningfully contribute to their communities, develop critical skills required to effectively take part in the economy, build confidence and expand their networks and social capital. A Presidential Youth Service programme will channel young people’s energy into advancing social cohesion, nation building and development.

We have been here before with grand plans and little implementation, so what makes the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention different?

The intervention builds on existing policies, plans and agreements. It focuses on addressing gaps in the policy landscape. It is driven from the Presidency and co-ordinated by the Project Management Office to ensure effective accountability for implementation.

It brings together a range of partners, and breaks down silos between government departments, the levels of government and between the government and the private sector. It is designed around young people, and is responsive to their needs and concerns. The plan addresses constraints to job creation on the supply and demand side by maximising resource allocation.

The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention represents the most bold and ambitious plan to address the crises levels of youth unemployment – if we do believe in our future, we must rally behind it.

Carrim is the chief executive of the National Youth Development Agency