In a bid to address the country’s soaring youth unemployment crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) as a key government intervention. The programme, which forms part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus launched in 2020, will see 200,000 young people employed across 200 schools nationwide.
In his weekly letter to the nation, President Ramaphosa emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to job creation and skills development, particularly for young South Africans. The programme focuses on equipping participants with critical skills, including time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and IT proficiency.
Expert Weighs In: Will It Make a Difference?
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Isaac Khambule, a political economy expert at the University of Johannesburg, acknowledged its potential impact but raised concerns about long-term sustainability and skills alignment with market demands.
“Youth unemployment in South Africa is alarmingly high, particularly for those aged 15 to 24, where over 64% are jobless,” Khambule noted. “While this initiative will provide temporary relief, we must ask whether it addresses deeper structural issues in education and employment.”
Key Challenges & Opportunities
Khambule highlighted two critical areas for improvement:
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Educational Outcomes – With 81% of South African 10-year-olds unable to read for meaning, the initiative should also focus on improving literacy and numeracy in schools.
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Skills Mismatch – While IT and soft skills are valuable, Khambule argued that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) and artisanal skills are more urgently needed to drive economic growth.
Private Sector’s Role in Job Creation
The professor also stressed the importance of private sector involvement in ensuring long-term employment opportunities. “The government cannot do this alone,” he said. “Corporate South Africa must step up with internships and permanent job placements to sustain these gains.”
Looking Ahead
While the BEEI is a step in the right direction, experts caution that without broader economic reforms and private sector collaboration, its impact may remain limited. As South Africa grapples with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, the success of such initiatives will depend on sustainable job creation and skills development aligned with future economic needs.
For now, the government remains optimistic. “This initiative is proof that we can make progress,” President Ramaphosa stated. “But we must do more to ensure young people are not just employed—but empowered.”