Afrika Tikkun, a leading youth development organisation is issuing a clarion call to Corporate South Africa: the fight against youth unemployment demands urgent and united action. “This challenge, which has long plagued our nation, is not merely a shared burden-it is an unparalleled opportunity to reshape South Africa’s future,” said Dr Onyi Nwaneri, Chief Executive Officer, Afrika Tikkun
Recent data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) paints a stark picture of the unemployment crisis, particularly among women and youth. According to Stats SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Quarter 2: 2024, the unemployment rate for women rose from 35.2% in the first quarter to 35.8% in the second quarter of 2024. The situation is even more dire for the youth, with those aged 15-24 years facing an unemployment rate of 60.8%, and those aged 25-34 years grappling with a rate of 41.7%. These statistics underscore the urgency and the critical need for coordinated efforts to address these challenges.
As a nation standing on the cusp of transformation, the time has come for businesses to see beyond philanthropy and engage in strategic partnerships that promise not just social good, but substantial economic returns. By addressing youth unemployment, Corporate South Africa can unlock the vast potential of our young people and reinforce the bedrock of our economy, ensuring sustained productivity and growth.
Since its founding in 1994, Afrika Tikkun has been more than a charitable organisation; it has been a catalyst for change, deeply committed to empowering South African youth. Over the past three decades, Afrika Tikkun has supported over 325,000 young people, provided millions of meals, and worked alongside countless families. Yet, as our mission has evolved, so has our understanding of the profound impact that corporate collaboration can have.
“The young people we serve are not just beneficiaries-they are the future architects of our economy,” said Nwaneri. “When Corporate South Africa joins forces with government and civil society to drive change, we don’t just move forward; we leap into a future filled with promise.”
Afrika Tikkun’s vision is clear: to elevate its role as a key catalyst for South Africa’s economic development. Through comprehensive training programs, supported by government incentives, businesses have a unique opportunity to maximize their investments for meaningful impact. The organisation is poised to institute transformative change by fully leveraging coordinated efforts across sectors.
“We stand at a tipping point,” Marc Lubner, Executive Deputy Chairman, Afrika Tikkun added. “Imagine the progress we could achieve if we combined our resources, shared our expertise, and united in pursuit of a common goal. The impact would be nothing short of extraordinary.”
The organisation acknowledges the concerns around the alignment of goals and the efficacy of civil society initiatives. However, Afrika Tikkun believes that open, honest dialogue is the key to addressing these concerns and aligning efforts towards a shared vision of a prosperous South Africa.
Afrika Tikkun’s Cradle-to-Career model, now implemented at the national level, is the product of tireless work and collaboration with community-based NGOs and the private sector. This model has proven successful in creating sustainable impact and securing meaningful employment for young South Africans.
In addition to innovative funding approaches, such as building social impact bonds with the government and development agencies, Afrika Tikkun’s commitment goes beyond just skills development. The organisation empowers young people to enter the workforce with confidence and a sense of purpose. With youth unemployment at alarming levels, this training is not just beneficial-it is essential.
Afrika Tikkun’s partnership with private sector clients underscores the value of investing in the next generation. These companies are not only addressing youth unemployment but are also enabling young people to take control of their futures, all while reaping the benefits of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) incentives.
Central to this mission is the Youth Employment Service (YES), through which Afrika Tikkun aims to create one million job opportunities for unemployed black youth across South Africa. This initiative offers businesses the chance to boost their B-BBEE rating by up to two levels, with Afrika Tikkun handling every aspect, from recruitment to work readiness training.
“We urge Corporate South Africa to view investment in civil society organisations like Afrika Tikkun as a strategic commitment to our shared future,” Lubner concluded. “Together, in the spirit of Ubuntu, we can create the significant impact our nation so desperately needs.”