While acknowledging that South Africa’s formal youth unemployment rate – currently at 36% – “appears dire”, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa believes interventions within the National Development Plan (NDP) will grow the economy, create jobs and provide young people with “productive opportunities”.

Speaking at the Youth Employment Conference, in Stellenbosch, on Monday, he said government would continue to complement its focus on education with vocational guidance, mentoring support and mechanisms to match people's skills to appropriate opportunities, while looking to further promote entrepreneurship.

“On the demand side, we are looking at employment tax incentives, supplier development programmes, entrepreneurship incubators, employment services and work-seeker support.

“We therefore welcome [private sector] initiatives that complement the services provided by the Department of Labour and other government agencies,” he commented.

Ramaphosa, meanwhile, called on employers to “rise to the challenge” by taking on first-time employees and providing effective management support and mentorship support to young employees.

“If given proper support and direction, employers will discover that the energy and enthusiasm of these young people can be harnessed to improve the effectiveness of their business,” he said.

According to the Deputy President, social mobility constraints, a shortage of suitable skills, poverty and inequality were among the factors that contributed to South Africa’s lingering youth unemployment figures.

While the situation remained grim, he drew encouragement from young South Africans who were demonstrating initiative, a willingness to work hard and a determination to overcome the circumstances into which they were born.

“They demand nothing more than an opportunity and a chance to work so that they can break the inter-generational cycle of poverty.  We hear them,” Ramaphosa said.