South Africa's Youth Unemployment Crisis: Leaders' Call for Action

Strategic Insights -

South Africa's youth unemployment crisis remains a persistent challenge, with unemployment rates continuing to rise. EFF leader Julius Malema and other top leaders have sounded the alarm, calling for urgent action to address the issue. Malema pledged that the EFF would fight for jobs and land for young people, saying they should stand up and fight against those who are stealing their opportunities. Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen and Deputy President Paul Mashatile have also spoken out, emphasizing that youth unemployment is a national tragedy that demands immediate attention from all sectors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Youth unemployment in South Africa stands at 46.1% for those aged 15-34, with over 8.7 million young people not in employment, education, or training.
  • EFF leader Julius Malema called for young people to stand up and fight for jobs, saying every household should have an employed person and giving priority to youth for jobs at the eThekwini Municipality.
  • DA leader John Steenhuisen described youth unemployment as the highest in the world, saying it's a national tragedy that affects dignity, potential, and justice.
  • Deputy President Paul Mashatile admitted that youth unemployment is a crisis, saying it demands urgent action from government, business, and communities at large to address inequality and skills mismatch.
  • The EFF has approached MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, and Telkom to address the high data prices that are hindering young people's access to job opportunities.
  • Former President Jacob Zuma urged young people to take South Africa forward and raise their voices about the challenges facing the country.

Statistics:

  • 46.1%: Youth unemployment rate in South Africa for those aged 15-34 (first quarter of 2025).
  • 8.7 million: Number of young people not in employment, education, or training.

Sources:

  • "EFF leader Julius Malema says government is failing young people" (original source not provided).
  • "DA leader John Steenhuisen on youth unemployment" (original source not provided).
  • "Deputy President Paul Mashatile on youth unemployment crisis" (original source not provided).
  • Former President Jacob Zuma's speech at the launch of the MK Party Youth League in Clermont (original source not provided).