Mpumalanga has yet to untap the potential of its youthful demographic. There is a need to foster tailored programmes that equip our youth with the skills and opportunities to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

With a youthful population comprising a substantial 62.9% under the age of 35, the province of Mpumalanga holds a wealth of potential for growth and sustainability. However, according to the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Provincial Labour Bulletin of February 2024, the unsettling reality of youth unemployment rates reached 46.4% during the fourth quarter of 2023, which is significantly higher than the 25.9% faced by adults aged between 35-64.

It is clear, Mpumalanga needs more youth empowerment programmes to uplift the young people in the province. While existing initiatives have been effective, there remains an urgent need to multiply efforts and create new opportunities that address the challenges faced by the young population.

The emphasis should lie in generating programmes that cater specifically to the diverse needs of the youth. These programmes should revolve around comprehensive skills development initiatives, ensuring alignment with the dynamic demands of today’s job market. It is imperative for local businesses in the province to support mentorship programmes, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Education still stands as the cornerstone of empowerment. Establishing scholarship schemes, supporting innovative learning models, and enhancing access to quality education for disadvantaged communities are critical steps toward levelling the playing field.

Of course, these efforts also require collaboration across the board. Businesses, educational institutions, government bodies, and community organisations must unite to lay the foundation for these programmes. By leveraging their collective expertise, resources, and networks, they can create a strategic system that nurtures and empowers the youth.

We need to take inspiration from successful models in other regions that have youth-driven initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience such as Durban Innovate that operates as a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship, Youth Employment Service (YES) that has generated 127,000 jobs for South African youth since 2018; and more. By adapting and implementing similar frameworks tailored to Mpumalanga’s unique context, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our youth.

The need for these programmes isn’t just a want; it’s a necessity. It’s a collective responsibility and an investment in the future prosperity of Mpumalanga — a commitment to harnessing the potential of our young population. It’s about building a landscape where opportunities are abundant and accessible to every aspiring young mind.

By Chalmers Pagiwa, MD of Lubisi Consulting