Youth Unemployment Increases Again—But the Real Crisis Is the Lack of Access to Opportunity

Millions of young South Africans wake up to the same reality: no job, no reliable source of income and no clear path forward. If youth are the future of this country, where are the opportunities that will enable them to build it? With South Africa's youth unemployment rate rising to 47.4%, reaching 62.8% among those aged 15-24, and 48.9% of women aged 15-34 not in employment, education or training (NEET), this is no longer a seasonal conversation—it’s a national emergency.

Many young people leave school without the qualifications employers demand, while graduates enter a labour market where the jobs they studied for are disappearing or being reshaped by digital transformation and AI.

Youth Jobseekers Face Barriers

“For many, the job-seeking process presents further practical and financial barriers before they even reach the interview stage. Young people face fragmented job application systems, the cost of transport, the burden of obtaining documentation, repeated rejection, and the absence of meaningful support,” says Rajesh Parshotam, Chairperson of the DSA.

“With traditional employment increasingly out of reach, South Africa's youth need credible, accessible pathways to earning an income,” Parshotam explains, “the Direct Selling Association (DSA) of South Africa and its member companies are helping young people explore ethical, flexible income opportunities through accredited member companies, where they can earn on their own terms while gaining practical business, sales and digital skills.”

At a Youth Empowerment Session, Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni highlighted that the biggest challenge facing young people is access—to skills, funding, mentorship and markets needed to build sustainable businesses. Her remarks echoed President Cyril Ramaphosa's emphasis on expanding skills development, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic pathways to unlock youth potential, strengthen local economies and create long-term jobs.

Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, similarly called for stronger collaboration to expand opportunities for vulnerable and marginalised youth, including women who continue to face persistent barriers such as poverty, discrimination and gender-based violence.

Ambition and Practical Opportunity

Despite the obvious challenges, the 2026 Standard Bank Youth Barometer shows a generation that remains ambitious, finding practical and innovative ways to achieve long-term financial stability despite unprecedented economic pressures. Young people are adapting—they simply need credible opportunities that match their ambition.

Imtiaz Ebrahim, Secretariat of the DSA, shares, “With low to no barriers to entrepreneurship and providing ethical, supported income opportunities, direct selling with DSA member companies offer a practical first step into business ownership allowing young South Africans to build experience, confidence and sustainable livelihoods in a challenging job market.”

“Empowering women and young people through accessible entrepreneurship is essential to driving inclusive economic growth and lasting social transformation. The DSA is here to support this socioeconomic solution,” says Parshotam.