Johannesburg, South Africa – 21 May 2025
South Africa stands at a pivotal crossroads. The recently released Q1 2025 Labour Force Survey from Statistics South Africa paints a stark picture: the official unemployment rate has climbed to 32.9%, while the expanded definition, which includes discouraged job seekers, has reached an alarming 43.1%. Most troubling of all is the fate of the country’s youth — 59.4% of South Africans aged 15–24 are unemployed, the highest of any age group.
These figures aren’t just statistics — they represent lost potential, unfulfilled ambition, and a future at risk.
For Thembinkosi Pantsi, Vice-Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), the message is clear: “South Africa’s young people are talented, hungry to learn and eager to work, but they need the opportunity to gain real-world skills that translate into jobs. We cannot afford to continue losing this potential to unemployment. The time to act is now.”
From Classroom to Career: The Need for Real-World Exposure
While academic qualifications remain important, it is becoming increasingly evident that they are not enough on their own. To build a capable, confident workforce, young people need exposure to the realities of the working world. Structured work-based learning — such as internships and learnerships — offers precisely that.
TVET colleges have long championed this model, blending theoretical knowledge with practical training. But their success hinges on support from the private sector, particularly industries that can offer relevant and scalable opportunities.
In this regard, South Africa’s automotive retail sector has a vital role to play.
Automotive Dealers: Part of the Solution
Franchised motor dealers are already making strides through partnerships with educational institutions. Many are opening their doors to TVET learners and graduates, offering mentorship, work placements, and in some cases, permanent employment.
But, according to Pantsi, more must be done.
“The automotive sector — especially franchised dealers — are uniquely positioned to absorb learners, mentor them, and develop the kind of skills that are in short supply across the country,” he says.
These include technical and vocational skills such as those required for vehicle technicians, parts specialists, service advisors, and sales professionals — all of which demand hands-on experience to master.
Collaboration Is Key to Sustainable Impact
NADA is calling for a nationwide effort to strengthen the link between education and employment. This means fostering deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors. It also means streamlining policies, increasing funding for learner stipends, and recognising businesses that commit to meaningful skills development.
“Dealerships that invest in learnerships and mentorship are not just fulfilling a social mandate,” says Pantsi. “They’re investing in the future of their own businesses. A skilled, job-ready workforce benefits us all.”
Time to Connect the Dots
The scale of youth unemployment in South Africa is both a tragedy and a call to action. It is a reminder that opportunity — not just ability — is what separates success from stagnation. As the country navigates an increasingly complex economic landscape, it must prioritise practical, scalable solutions that connect young people to the world of work.
Structured workplace learning is one such solution. And when supported by government, embraced by industry, and aligned with education, it becomes a powerful tool for transformation.
In a country where nearly 6 in 10 young people are unemployed, every opportunity counts. The time to connect education with employment is not tomorrow — it’s today.
