Ryan van Buuren

As we commemorate Youth Month, the latest data from Statistics South Africa paints a sobering picture. South Africa’s official unemployment rate rose to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.4% in the previous quarter. The economy shed 345,000 jobs during this period, while the number of unemployed South Africans increased by more than 301,000. Young people remain the hardest hit, with unemployment among those aged 15–24 reaching 60.9%, highlighting the urgent need for meaningful skills development and employment opportunities.

In the high-stakes environment of South African corporate compliance, the word “training” is often used loosely. However, from a B-BBEE perspective, not all training is created equally. For businesses aiming to maximize their Skills Development pillar—which remains a priority element worth up to 20 points plus 5 bonus points—the distinction between accredited and non-accredited training is the difference between a successful audit and a costly level drop.

In the current South African economic climate, the “skills gap” is more than just a buzzword; it is a significant barrier to corporate growth and national transformation. For businesses in Johannesburg—the powerhouse of the South African economy—finding the right talent to fuel B-BBEE initiatives while ensuring genuine workplace productivity can be a logistical nightmare.

Understanding Stipends: A Guide by The Skills Development Corporation

In South Africa where youth unemployment is fast becoming one of the highest in the world, with 45,5% unemployment rate among young people who are aged 15-34 years. South Africa’s learnership programs have become a lifeline for thousands of young people looking to break into the employment sector. Designed as a bridge between education and employment, learnerships are now seen not just as training opportunities, but as powerful tools for long-term careers in the development and economic inclusion space.

According to the National Skills Fund Strategic Plan 2025 -2030, only 7% of businesses are owned by people living with disabilities. The main aim of the National Skills Strategic Plan is to increase the high quality, educational training and skills development opportunities, to not only reduce inequalities but also to allow better participation in the South African Economy.

When you look around your office, do you see a team that reflects the rich mix of people in South Africa? Or does the term Employment Equity simply make you think of endless forms and government targets?