More than 76k SAns received job opportunities in State-sponsored programmes, says Mhlauli

JOHANNESBURG - Deputy Minister in The Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says more than 76,000 people received opportunities for work in the last quarter of the financial year through a government-sponsored jobs programme.

Mhlauli released statistics for the  Presidential Youth Employment Initiative during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday.

This initiative was established five years ago, aimed at addressing the crisis of youth unemployment in the country.

South Africa's youth unemployment rate stands at an alarming 46.1%, with data indicating that the majority of these individuals are neither enrolled in educational institutions nor participating in any form of training.

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Between January and March, the presidential youth employment initiative provided over 76,000 young people with access to earning opportunities.

However, the opportunities differ, ranging from internship programmes and short-term contracts to a limited number of permanent positions.

Mhauli says the programme is playing a key role in addressing the crisis of youth unemployment.

"These jobs are not just temporary placements. They are quality jobs, defined by duration, income level, and growth potential. We are already seeing shifts in employer practices as a result to better accommodating excluded young people."

Despite these achievements, the youth unemployment rate continued to rise during the same period that earning opportunities were provided to these 76 young individuals.