Bridging the gap as stakeholders unite to accelerate the skills revolution and youth employment
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Date: 2025-06-03 16:39:24

Bridging the gap as stakeholders unite to accelerate the skills revolution and youth employment

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
2 JUNE  2025
 
BRIDGING THE GAP AS STAKEHOLDERS UNITE TO ACCELERATE THE SKILLS REVOLUTION AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
 
In a bold move to combat youth unemployment and align education with the demands of the modern labour market, eThekwini Municipality in partnership with provincial and national government today, 2 June held a high-level Job Creation and Skills Revolution Stakeholders Engagement Seminar.
 
Themed “Towards Improved Coordinated Action to Accelerate Skills Revolution and Job Creation”, the seminar brought together a dynamic mix of industry players from political figures, government, the private sector, and higher education institutions, all with a shared mission to bridge the skills gap and ignite a sustainable job creation movement. 
 
All stakeholders shared the sentiment that employability and the skills gap between the education system in today’s job market is a pressing challenge. They also noted that a rising number of graduates lack the competencies required by the job market. 
 
As the seminar continued to unfold, one message resonated clearly: collaboration is the cornerstone of sustainable solutions to youth unemployment and widening the skills gap. 
 
Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said the seminar was crucial to find lasting, practical solutions to the skills shortages affecting the youth, a crucial force in shaping South Africa’s economic and social future.
 
“This is a critical engagement where multiple sectors and institutions are gathered to create a coordinated approach that aligns education systems with market realities to ensure that collectively, we speed up the skills revolution and improve job creation,” he said.
 
He added that many of the current education and training systems are outdated. “Our education system must not only inform but also empower and ensure that the youth are equipped with both the technical and soft skills that employers are actively seeking," said Councillor Ntuli.
 
As industries evolve rapidly due to technological advancements, many young people find themselves ill-equipped for the job demands. 
 
Statistics South Africa recently released the Quarterly Labour Force Survey which revealed a rise in the official unemployment rate to 32.9%, a 1 percentage point increase from the previous quarter. The expanded unemployment rate also increased to 43.1%. The number of employed persons decreased by 291 000, while the number of unemployed persons increased by 237 000.
 
Director General in the KwaZulu-Natal Premier's Office Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize highlighted the urgency of transforming the country’s skills development landscape. “While the country boasts a youthful population, many young people remain unemployed or underemployed due to a mismatch between their qualifications and the evolving needs of the labour market,” said Dr Mkhize.
 
She said the skills mismatch remains a major challenge. "It is therefore imperative that skills that are developed, and are matched to economic opportunities,” she added.
 
Speakers from various departments shared insight and imparted knowledge on the best strategies to bridge the widening skills gap and tackle youth unemployment head-on.
 
As the seminar wrapped up, the consensus was clear that collaboration was no longer optional but essential.
 
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications and Marketing Directorate