OPINION | SA’s youth unemployment crisis begins long before a young person’s first CV (opens original article in a new tab)

South Africa's youth unemployment crisis is not just about job scarcity but also about systemic barriers that prevent young people from accessing opportunities, requiring improved coordination of services and support systems.

• South Africa's youth unemployment crisis is exacerbated by systemic failures in service delivery and coordination.
• Young people face bureaucratic obstacles, fragmented services, and lack of psychosocial support before seeking employment.
• Community-based initiatives show that strengthening local systems can improve access to opportunities for youth.