Volunteering may be the key to creating opportunities for young South Africans

Young South Africans facing high unemployment rates may find new pathways through volunteering, according to recent data highlighting the growing crisis among the country's youth. According to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey, 45.6% of young people aged 15 to 34 who want to work are currently not employed, in education, or undergoing training. The figure rose by half a percentage point between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026, marking a continued upward trend in youth disengagement from the labor market. This statistic reflects a broader issue affecting South Africa’s demographic structure. Nearly a third of the population falls within the 15 to 34 age range, with an average age of 28 to 29. In many contexts, such a youthful population would represent a significant economic asset. However, in South Africa, the situation is dire, with close to two million young people classified as discouraged work seekers, those who have stopped actively looking for jobs due to repeated rejections. These individuals are not lacking in ambition or potential. Rather, they are responding to a labor market that offers few opportunities. Many have lost hope after repeated attempts to secure employment, leading to a cycle of disengagement that affects not only individual livelihoods but also the broader economy. Despite the challenges, several organizations and initiatives are working to address the disconnect between young people and the workforce. Volunteering, often viewed as a form of unpaid labor, is increasingly recognized as a viable means of skill-building and networking. When structured effectively, it can serve as a bridge between untrained youth and the demands of the modern workplace. One notable initiative is the Reskilling Revolution Africa program, launched in collaboration with IBM and the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE). This global effort spans 164 countries and has engaged over 30,000 young people in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Participants have accumulated more than 153,000 hours of verified volunteering and earned over 2,000 internationally recognized digital credentials. A significant portion of these participants, 63%, are young women, indicating a focus on inclusivity and gender equity. Another innovative approach comes from Zlto, a digital rewards platform co-founded by Allan van der Meulen from Mitchells Plain. Designed to help young South Africans overcome employment barriers, Zlto rewards users for community volunteering, learning, and other positive contributions. The platform aims to incentivize participation in activities that enhance employability while fostering a culture of civic engagement. Mentorship plays a crucial role in these initiatives. Leaders with specialized skills can offer guidance, support, and practical experience to young people navigating the transition into the workforce. Through mentorship programs, participants develop essential skills such as problem-solving and creative thinking, which are highly valued in today’s job market. These relationships also provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, helping young people feel connected to opportunities that might otherwise seem out of reach. While these efforts show promise, they operate largely in isolation. There is a pressing need to integrate and scale successful models to ensure broader impact. Currently, many promising initiatives remain siloed within specific sectors, limiting their ability to reach the millions of young people in need of support. The success of existing programs underscores the importance of collaboration between government, private sector entities, and civil society. By aligning resources and strategies, stakeholders can create a cohesive ecosystem that supports youth development and economic inclusion. Such an approach would require sustained investment and policy frameworks that recognize the value of volunteering as both a social good and an economic strategy. As the conversation around youth unemployment continues to evolve, the role of volunteering is gaining recognition as a critical component of the solution. With targeted investments and strategic partnerships, it is possible to transform isolated efforts into scalable solutions that empower young South Africans and strengthen the nation’s economic prospects.