Cape town: President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the government's commitment to expanding youth skills development and workplace exposure programs through public service and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), while also addressing the mounting student debt crisis.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa, responding to oral questions in the National Assembly, stated that various government departments are already implementing programs to enhance youth employability. These initiatives include learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, graduate recruitment schemes, and workplace-based learning opportunities. He emphasized the public service's vital role in youth development and mentioned plans to enhance workplace exposure by pairing youth participants with senior managers as adopted trainees.
Additionally, the President highlighted that the Department of Public Service and Administration has launched exploratory programs linked to the African Peer Review Mechanism, and the National School of Government is conducting training programs for unemployed youth involved in special projects. The SANDF's involvement in youth development initiatives was also noted, particularly its support for the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC), which aims to reduce rural youth unemployment through skills development, leadership training, and community service.
President Ramaphosa reported that 584 matriculants participated in a character-building program in 2025, with 200 students currently enrolled in an artisans program sponsored by the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MerSETA), while others will soon begin Health Promotion Officers training.
In addressing the student debt issue, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the growing concern, revealing that student debt in universities reached approximately R23 billion in the 2024 academic year. The government had previously intervened with a R967 million debt relief for NSFAS-qualifying students in 2019. However, he recognized that student debt continues to be a significant challenge, particularly for 'missing middle' students who do not qualify for NSFAS but still struggle with tuition fees.
The President indicated that work is ongoing to develop a comprehensive student funding model and a potential fee regulatory framework to ensure affordable and transparent tuition fees across the higher education sector. The government is collaborating with universities to assess the extent of student debt and devise suitable interventions.