South Africa faces significant challenges with unemployment, particularly among the youth, where rates reach as high as 45.5%. Despite nearly half of employees in the culture, arts, tourism, hospitality, and sports sectors being youth, there is a disconnect between skills development and job creation. Small businesses, key drivers of economic growth, also struggle with inadequate funding and market access. We are in conversation with the CEO of Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority, Mark Thibela as we unpack the disconnect between youth skills and job opportunities in sectors like culture, arts, tourism, hospitality, and sports.