In Conversation With Lehlogonolo Muthevhuli Social Movement for Advocacy, Rights and Transformation

Youth unemployment remains one of the most urgent socio-economic challenges facing Gauteng and South Africa at large. Despite various government-led skills development initiatives, internship programmes, and empowerment campaigns, many young people continue to struggle to access sustainable employment opportunities, meaningful workplace experience, or support for entrepreneurship. The Social Movement for Advocacy, Rights and Transformation (SMART) has raised concerns that while government departments often highlight the number of young people trained through programmes, there is limited evidence showing how many beneficiaries successfully transition into jobs, businesses, or long-term economic participation. SMART argues that skills development alone is not enough if it is disconnected from actual labour market opportunities. The organisation says many young people complete training programmes only to return to unemployment, creating frustration and deepening economic hopelessness among the youth. The organisation is calling for a more practical and measurable approach to youth empowerment. Among its proposals are guaranteed workplace exposure after training, stronger partnerships between government and the private sector, increased procurement opportunities for youth-owned businesses, and greater accountability from government departments regarding job creation outcomes. The conversation also comes at a time when concerns continue to grow around rising living costs, economic inequality, social instability, and the increasing number of young graduates and non-graduates struggling to secure employment. Questions are also being raised about whether government spending on youth empowerment is producing meaningful impact or simply maintaining administrative programmes without long-term solutions. This discussion will unpack whether current interventions are effectively addressing youth unemployment, what practical alternatives exist, and how government, business, and civil society can work together to create sustainable opportunities for young people in Gauteng and across South Africa. Instagram · Twitter