60% of under 24s jobless: experts call for skills overhaul and TVET reform

BMW CEO highlights the importance of technical skills in South Africa’s workforce, pointing to a growing mismatch between educational output and labor market demand. The issue is starkly illustrated by the current state of youth unemployment, which stands at 60.1% for those aged 15 to 24, according to Statistics South Africa. Despite the country producing a large number of graduates each year, many struggle to find stable employment due to a lack of relevant technical skills. BMW South Africa’s chief executive, Peter van Binsbergen, emphasizes that this disconnect is a critical barrier to economic progress and personal empowerment. He argues that while academic qualifications are valuable, they are insufficient without the hands-on expertise required in fields such as engineering, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Van Binsbergen’s comments reflect a broader trend in global economies, where the demand for skilled labor is outpacing the supply, especially in industries driven by technological innovation.

The disparity between academic achievement and employability is evident in the structure of South Africa’s education system. Traditional universities and higher education institutions focus largely on theoretical knowledge, while the labor market increasingly values practical, vocationally oriented training. This misalignment has led to a surplus of graduates in humanities and social sciences, yet a severe shortage of technicians, engineers, and IT professionals. According to reports, over 60% of South Africans between the ages of 15 and 24 are unemployed, with many unable to transition from academia into meaningful employment. Van Binsbergen attributes this to a systemic failure in career guidance and curriculum design, which fails to prepare students for the evolving demands of the modern economy. His critique underscores the need for a shift toward more applied learning models that integrate industry needs directly into educational programs.

To bridge this gap, BMW has partnered with institutions like the Soshanguve School of Specialisation, which offers specialized training in engineering, mathematics, and technical disciplines. These partnerships aim to expose students to real-world applications of their studies, fostering both interest and proficiency in high-demand fields. The school’s curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience in robotics labs, automotive workshops, and engineering facilities, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of technical processes. Van Binsbergen notes that such environments are crucial for identifying students' strengths and guiding them toward suitable career paths. By investing in these educational initiatives, BMW hopes to cultivate a pipeline of skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s industrial and technological advancement.

The challenges facing South Africa’s youth extend beyond the education system and into the broader economic landscape. Experts warn that persistent youth unemployment poses significant risks to national stability and growth. Economists like Sanish Packirisami highlight the fiscal burden imposed by an extensive social welfare program, which costs the government billions annually. This funding could otherwise be redirected toward infrastructure projects or investments in human capital. Additionally, the lack of economic opportunities fuels social unrest, crime, and mental health issues, creating a cycle of disadvantage that is difficult to break. Addressing these problems requires a multifaceted strategy that includes improving the quality of basic education, reforming technical and vocational training (TVET) programs, and increasing access to financial services for young entrepreneurs.

Political leaders and advocacy groups are calling for urgent action to transform the education system and create more inclusive economic opportunities. The Democratic Alliance (DA) urges young South Africans to engage politically and economically, emphasizing the importance of voting and participating in local governance. Meanwhile, organizations like the Mining Qualifications Authority stress the need for better alignment between educational outcomes and labor market requirements. These calls for reform reflect a growing recognition that economic freedom—once secured through political liberation—is now a contested goal requiring sustained effort and structural changes. Without such interventions, the cycle of underemployment and disillusionment among South Africa’s youth is likely to persist, undermining both individual aspirations and national development.