Youth day comes and goes. So does Mandela day and many other important commemorative days. However, the call for the empowerment of our future leaders in safeguarding our nation, echoes beyond. According to the latest data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) as of the first quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate remains alarmingly high at approximately 32.6%. Youth unemployment is even more critical, with over 60% of South Africans aged 15-24 being unemployed. These statistics underscore the urgent need for multi-faceted and on-going interventions, beyond the call of commemorative days, aligning perfectly with the statement: “Every day is Mandela day”.
While government programs are essential, they are often constrained by limited resources, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and competing priorities. Relying solely on government initiatives is insufficient to address the scale of the youth unemployment crisis.
The private sector has the resources, expertise, and agility to implement effective youth empowerment programs. Businesses can offer internships, apprenticeships, and vocational training programs that provide young people with practical experience and job-ready skills.
Long-Term Sustainability
Sustainable solutions to unemployment require a long-term commitment from all stakeholders. Businesses, educational institutions, non-profits, and government agencies must work together to create comprehensive programs that address the root causes of unemployment. This includes improving education quality, providing career guidance, and ensuring access to economic opportunities.
Recent studies emphasise the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing youth unemployment. The “Global Youth Employment Trends 2024” report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) highlights that those countries with strong collaboration between the private sector and government have seen significant improvements in youth employment rates. Additionally, a report by McKinsey & Company on “Reimagining youth skills for the 21st century” stresses the need for businesses to take an active role in skills development and mentorship to bridge the gap between education and employment.
The recent Youth Tech Expo, spearheaded by the Motsepe Foundation, marked a significant call to action to the business community to align with the foundation’s mission to enhance the social and economic lives of communities by focusing on nurturing youth’s potential and promoting education.
Among the prominent participants was Khoi Tech who had been invited by Qalo Digital Health as part of their newly signed strategic partnership. Khoi Tech’s response was a resounding “YES!”—a testament to their commitment to empowering South African youth.
Khoi Tech’s involvement in the Youth Tech Expo was not just a presence; it was a transformative experience for many young attendees. The company advised and educated the youth on technology, entrepreneurship, and how to gain work experience with the intent to open doors for many young South Africans, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the modern job market.
Seati Moloi, CEO and Founder of Khoi Tech, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “By partnering with Motsepe Foundation and participating in events like the Youth Tech Expo, we are taking concrete steps towards empowering young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”
This is because Khoi Tech believes that the responsibility of enabling youth empowerment should not rest solely on the government’s shoulders. Business involvement in enabling youth empowerment is crucial for addressing the persistent unemployment issues in South Africa.
Seati Moloi emphasised, “The future of our country lies in the hands of its youth. We believe that by providing them with the right tools and opportunities, we can help shape a brighter future for South Africa. We urge other businesses to join us in this mission and contribute to meaningful change.”
Beyond the Expo and in line with this mission, Khoi Tech and its strategic partners are planning to employ these youths through an internship program in collaboration with the Department of Labour and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). This program aims to provide practical work experience and is expected to launch in the coming weeks, with more details to be revealed soon.
Moloi added, “We urge young people to stay tuned to our social media channels for more information on how they can be a part of our upcoming internship program.”Khoi’s social media pages are @Khoi.africa on facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn as well as @KhoiAfrica on X (Twitter). Khoi’s website address is www.khoi.africa
As the Youth Tech Expo concluded, it was just the beginning of a journey for Khoi Tech as the Soweto-based tech company aims to leave a lasting impact in the lives of all young people who encounter the brand. The company’s dedication to uplifting the youth through technology and education stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Young South Africans are encouraged to follow Khoi Tech’s social media handles for updates and information on the internship program and other future opportunities. Together, with the support of organisations like the Motsepe Foundation and Qalo Digital Health, Khoi Tech is paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for the youth of South Africa.
In celebration of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, Khoi Tech is thrilled to participate in the Mandela Day Walk & Run taking place on Saturday, July 20, 2024 where they will also be showcasing their health-tech solutions on an inspiring day of community and action!