But behind that number are real young people. Real dreams. Real struggles. And a real system that is failing to capture the full picture.

South Africa’s youth unemployment rate is among the highest in the world. Millions of young people aged 18–35 are actively looking for opportunities  but not finding them. Many have never had a job, not because they lack ambition or talent, but because the pathways to employment are broken, uneven, or completely missing in the communities where they live.

For many young people in rural villages, small towns, and townships, the problem is not just unemployment, it is unreachability. These young people are invisible to the very opportunities that are supposed to empower them.

🔎 1. The Unemployment Number Doesn’t Tell the Full Story

When we talk about youth unemployment, most people imagine young people sitting at home doing nothing. But the truth is far more complex.

There are three major groups of unemployed youth:

✔️ 1. Youth actively seeking opportunities

These are youth applying for jobs weekly, attending interviews, and registering on existing platforms.

✔️ 2. Youth who are discouraged

They have tried but constant rejections, transport costs, and lack of support have left them feeling defeated.

✔️ 3. Youth who are completely unreached

They don’t know about existing youth programmes.
They don’t have data or internet access.
They don’t have guidance or mentorship.
They don’t know where to start after matric.

This third group is the biggest and most invisible.
And they are the reason the unemployment crisis keeps growing.