Service Delivery: Industry And Educational Institutions Must Work Together To Improve Youth EmployabilitySouth Africa continues to grapple with a persistent unemployment crisis. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the official unemployment rate rose by 0.8 percentage points to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1:2024), compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 (Q4:2023). This increase brings the total number of unemployed job seekers to 8.2 million. The situation is even more dire when considering the expanded definition of unemployment, which includes those discouraged from seeking work. Under this broader measure, the number of unemployed persons reached 12.1 million in Q1:2024. This underscores the urgent need for effective interventions and highlights the critical importance of enhancing employability through distinctive skills
At its core, employability encompasses a multifaceted set of skills, knowledge, attitudes and personal attributes that empower individuals to not only secure employment but to also grow and thrive in their chosen careers.
Employability is about much more than a course, diploma or degree. While these formal qualifications may provide students with the specific theoretical background and technical skills required by their chosen professions or industries, employers are looking for much more.
Guest: Tafadzwa Chibanguza COO Seifsa