50 YEARS AFTER THE SOWETO UPRISING: Half a century after 1976, the new youth struggle is economic (opens original article in a new tab)

South Africa's youth unemployment crisis is driven by economic stagnation, regulatory barriers, and technological disruption, requiring urgent reforms to create jobs and support small businesses.

• South Africa's youth unemployment rate is 46% as of March 2023.
• Economic growth has averaged 1.1% annually from 2009 to 2026, below population growth.
• Small businesses face regulatory and tax challenges that hinder job creation.
• AI and automation threaten to displace entry-level jobs, requiring new employment strategies.