Youth unemployment isn’t just a number it’s a lived experience for millions of young South Africans. 

Millions of youth remain unseen, unreached, unassisted, and unheard.

The youth unemployment rate consistently sits among the highest in the world. But why?

• Many opportunities require qualifications young people don’t have.

• Many programs choose only “the best candidates” leaving the unselected behind.

• Many youths lack data, guidance, transportation, or confidence.

• Rural and township youth are often excluded simply because of where they live.

• Many jobs require experience but youth can’t get experience without a job.

At YouThryve Development, we believe the “unreached youth” are not hopeless they are untapped potential.

Useful links to understand the youth unemployment landscape

📍 Youth Unemployment and Pathways to Work (SALDRU, UCT)
🔗 https://saldru.uct.ac.za/articles/2025-06-27-youth-unemployment-and-search-meaningful-pathways-employment

📍 What is Youth Unemployment – UNESCO
🔗 https://www.unesco.org/en/query-list/y/youth-unemployment

📊 Youth Employment – International Labour Organization (ILO)
🔗 https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/youth-employment

📈 Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024 – ILO
🔗 https://www.ilo.org/resource/article/global-employment-trends-youth-2024-figures

🌍 Urban Youth Employment – United Nations
🔗 https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/urban-youth-employment.html

---