Watch: South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is a ticking time bomb

The numbers don’t lie, South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is a ticking time bomb.

South Africa's youth unemployment rate is one of the highest in the world, and this is not just a statistic—it's a crisis.
Around half of the country's young people under 25 are jobless, which is an alarming issue that we need to address urgently.
What does this mean for our nation? Imagine a soccer stadium filled with young, eager individuals, each with dreams, talents, and ambitions.
But instead of playing in the game of life, they are simply spectators sidelined by unemployment.
This situation breeds frustration and despair, not just among the youth but for society at large.
If not tackled soon, we risk facing a multitude of dangerous repercussions.
Unemployment fuels social instability, as idle hands may turn to crime, which, in turn, affects business confidence and investment, creating a vicious cycle.
Furthermore, the untapped potential and skills of our youth, if left unused, will become a wasted national asset.
But every problem has a solution, and South Africa's youth unemployment crisis is no different. Firstly, education should be our foremost weapon.
Experts agree on one thing; South Africa needs to nurture a culture of learning and promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects.
This will make our youth competitive on the global stage, as well as foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
In addition, we need to strengthen the relationship between education and industry.
The skills our youth are learning should match the demands of the job market.
Secondly, the government and private sector should work together to stimulate job creation.
This could be through initiatives that incentivise companies to hire and train young people, like tax breaks or subsidies.
Lastly, we need to focus on fostering entrepreneurship. Instead of just seeking employment, our youth should be encouraged to create it.
This requires access to start-up funds, business mentorship, and a regulatory environment that makes it easy to open and operate a business.
Together, we can turn the tide on youth unemployment, ensuring a brighter future for our country and our youth.