Sandton:President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on businesses to enhance employment opportunities for young people, urging employers to prioritize potential and determination over work experience. Speaking at the SA Youth National Leadership Convening at the Galleria Conference Centre, he highlighted the necessity for collaboration among government, businesses, labor, civil society, and educational institutions to combat youth unemployment.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa emphasized that youth unemployment is not just an economic issue, but a social and human challenge impacting the nation's future. He advocated for innovative approaches in preparing young people for the workforce and stressed the importance of shared responsibility in addressing unemployment.
The President highlighted several initiatives like the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and the SA Youth Pathways Network as practical solutions for connecting young people to employment opportunities. He also called for the development of stronger links between education, training, and employment, and for reforms in skills development to align with industry needs.
Furthermore, President Ramaphosa urged for the expansion of opportunities for young entrepreneurs. He encouraged government and businesses to provide better access to finance and markets for youth-owned enterprises and called on established businesses to incorporate young entrepreneurs into their value chains. He identified sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and digital services as having significant potential for job creation.
In conclusion, President Ramaphosa stressed that the focus should be on implementing effective strategies and practical employment opportunities to ensure progress in the fight against youth unemployment. He reiterated the need for clear responsibilities and commitments within the partnership to assess and enhance the effectiveness of the initiatives in place.