Unemployment in South Africa has been on the rise continuously from 2010 to 2024. This is especially true for young people who face structural inequalities as well as the legacy of past economic issues. Despite several government interventions and measures to stimulate job creation, skills development, and the economy, the infographic shows a general increase in unemployment amongst South Africa’s youth. Youth continue to face numerous barriers when seeking employment. The issues of poor education and slow economic growth have contributed to the lack of employment opportunities. Skill mismatch is also still prevalent.

Persistent increases in youth unemployment also highlight the problems faced by the South African economy more generally, including low levels of investment, structural changes such as automation that make many low-skilled jobs redundant, and the legacy of apartheid economics. Millions of young people continue to be locked out of productive economic activity.

It is important to note this trend when working toward policies that may better address this issue. The crisis can not only be handled with initiatives to create more jobs. But through institutional reform that will last long term solutions, opening pathways to better education, and promoting entrepreneurship. These numbers highlight the need for collaboration to change this momentum and develop a better economy for our youth.