South Africa’s Deputy President Addresses Youth Economic Inclusion at Solutions Exchange Conference

Johannesburg, October 12, 2023 – The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Shipokosa Paul Mashatile, delivered a keynote address at the Solutions Exchange Conference, held at The Forum in Bryanston, Johannesburg, on October 12, 2023. The conference brought together key government officials, business leaders, and representatives from civil society to discuss the critical issue of youth economic inclusion in South Africa.

In his address, Deputy President Mashatile highlighted the importance of accelerating youth economic inclusion as a means to achieve a more equal and prosperous society. He emphasized the need to prioritize the youth, particularly in a country where the majority of the population, 61.2%, is under 35 years old. Mashatile pointed out that this youth bulge is a characteristic shared by many African nations and is central to shaping the continent’s future.

One of the pressing challenges facing South Africa is the triple threat of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, with women, youth, and people with disabilities being the most affected. These challenges are exacerbated by the growing population and socio-economic constraints that limit the government’s ability to provide opportunities and services.

Mashatile acknowledged the progress made through the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan, which aims to foster social compacts between the government, the private sector, and other partners. He highlighted the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) as an example of effective collaboration between stakeholders to address socio-economic issues sustainably.

The Deputy President also commended the SA Youth platform launched by Harambee, which has registered over 4.1 million young people and is the largest platform in the National Pathway Management Network. This platform leverages innovative technology, such as geo-mapping, to match young people with opportunities, especially those living in areas farther from economic hubs.

South Africa’s government has been successful in mobilizing investment commitments, exceeding the initial target, and many of these commitments are expected to translate into job creation. The Deputy President emphasized the importance of creating strong entrepreneurial support structures and collaborating with the private sector to foster economic development.

The government’s efforts in revitalizing the township economy and the impact of Special Economic Zones and Industrial Park Programs were also highlighted. These initiatives have played a significant role in integrating youth into the economy and supporting innovative businesses.

Mashatile concluded his address by emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged approach that focuses on entrepreneurship and inclusive hiring to combat youth unemployment. He called on all stakeholders to work together to create opportunities for South Africa’s youth, harnessing their potential to bring about positive change.

The Deputy President left attendees with the inspirational words of the late President Nelson Mandela, highlighting the capabilities of young people to “bring down the towers of oppression and raise the banners of freedom.”

In closing, he expressed gratitude to all public and private sector partners for their work in reaching significant milestones and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborate with businesses and civil society to provide young people with opportunities for a brighter future.