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Business leaders unite to tackle youth unemployment

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Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, in partnership with the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), hosted the SA Youth Employer Breakfast at Makers Landing in Cape Town, with over 130 leaders and employers present.
Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, in partnership with the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), hosted the SA Youth Employer Breakfast at Makers Landing in Cape Town, with over 130 leaders and employers present.Picture: Supplied

As South Africa prepares to mark Youth Month this June, the urgency of tackling youth unemployment is once again in sharp focus — a theme that anchored the recent SA Youth Employer Breakfast in Cape Town.

Hosted by Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the gathering at Makers Landing on Tuesday, March 24, brought together more than 130 employers, government leaders and social partners for a solution-driven dialogue.

Harambee, a not-for-profit social enterprise, works across government, business and civil society to connect young people to jobs and remove barriers to employment at scale.

Adding further insight, Rene Rademeyer, head of client relations for employer and youth services, highlighted the role of SA Youth as a national initiative that bridges the gap between young people and opportunity.

She noted that the platform not only connects youth to jobs, but also helps build skills, confidence and long-term employability — particularly for those in underserved communities such as townships, informal settlements and peri-urban areas.

“The aim is to ensure opportunities reach young people where they are, especially those who struggle to access networks or information,” Ms Rademeyer said.

More than 130 leaders and employers came together at the SA Youth Employer Breakfast at Makers Landing earlier this week.
More than 130 leaders and employers came together at the SA Youth Employer Breakfast at Makers Landing earlier this week.Picture: Supplied

Ms Rademeyer said the event created space for honest, solution-focused conversations about the barriers young people face when entering the job market, while also encouraging employers to play a more active role.

“Youth unemployment is not just an economic issue — it affects dignity, confidence and hope for the future,” she said.

CEO Kasthuri Soni challenged employers to rethink hiring practices, emphasising that inclusive approaches can drive both purpose and profit.

In his keynote address, Dr Rashid Toefy called for bold, coordinated action: “Hire differently, collaborate, share learnings and measure outcomes.”

The engagement comes ahead of Youth Month, which commemorates the Soweto Uprising — a reminder of the power of young people to shape the country’s future.

For more information about Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and its programmes, visit www.harambee.co.za or explore SA Youth opportunities at www.sayouth.mobi