​Minister Meth forges new partnership with Harambee and SA Youth to prioritise youth employment

​The Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, met with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and SA Youth to consolidate a partnership aimed at addressing the country’s persistently high unemployment levels, particularly among the youth.

In her opening remarks, Minister Meth underscored the urgency of tackling unemployment, describing it as one of the most pressing challenges facing South Africa. 

“It is a great honour for me to be here with you today. This visit has been long overdue, and I have been eager to make the time, because the issue that brings us together is one that weighs heavily on our nation. One of the things that keeps me awake at night is the stubborn level of unemployment in our country, especially among our youth,” said Minister Meth. The Minister emphasised that government viewed youth unemployment as central to its economic and social agenda.

“As government, we are clear that youth unemployment is not a side issue – it is central to our economic and social agenda. It is why the President established the Youth Employment Intervention. It is why our Department of Employment and Labour carries the responsibility to coordinate the National Pathway Management Network. And it is why we continue to push for stronger collaboration across the state, the private sector, and our social partners,” she added.

The discussions highlighted the importance of making young people the direct beneficiaries of opportunities available through partnerships between government, business, and civil society. The meeting further emphasized innovation, the provision of skills, and the embracement of technology to prepare young people for a changing world of work. Harambee identified digital and agricultural platforms as fast-growing areas where young people can access opportunities.

The parties agreed on the need to institutionalise the partnership to ensure its sustainability and impact. The partnership also set a long-term vision, aiming to reduce the national unemployment rate by 20% by the year 2030. 

In addition to formal employment, the meeting encouraged young people to also pursue entrepreneurship opportunities as a pathway to employment creation for themselves and their peers.

Minister Meth concluded by affirming government’s commitment to working together with Harambee and SA Youth. 

“Government cannot do this work alone. If we are serious about bending the curve on unemployment, then all of society must walk this journey together. Our role, as government, is to provide the leadership, the resources, and the policy framework that enables this collective effort to succeed,” Minister Meth said. 

Both parties embraced the partnership and confirmed that work towards implementation would begin soon.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson 

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za​​