Youth unemployment continues to weigh heavily on economies around the world, with millions of young people struggling to make the transition from education into meaningful work. In South Africa, where the challenge is particularly acute, initiatives aimed at bridging that gap are increasingly turning to direct engagement between young people, employers and training institutions. One such initiative is EmpowaYouth Week 2026, taking place in the Vaal region later this month, designed to connect thousands of young people to skills development, job opportunities and enterprise support. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to by EmpowaYouth Managing Executive, Sechaba Motsieloa