In the last ten years, finding work has become even harder for South Africa’s youth. Many young people are stuck at home—jobless, not studying, and losing. The problem is exacerbated by the mismatch between skills mismatch and demand.
Key Facts from Q1 2025:
Youth unemployment (ages 15–34): has increased from 36.9% in 2015 to 46.1 in 2025
Ages 15–24: 62.4% are unemployed.
Ages 25–34: 40.4% are unemployed.
Discouraged youth jobseekers: 1.9 million have given up looking for work.
No work experience: Nearly 6 in 10 unemployed youth have never had a job.
Who’s Struggling the Most?
Young women: 48.1% are not in employment, education, or training (NEET).
Young men: 42.2% are NEET.
Provinces hit hardest:
North West: Youth unemployment at 58.8%; only 43% are active in the labour market.
Eastern Cape: Youth unemployment at 54.3%; lowest youth labour force participation at 39.8%.
Skills mismatch
Why These Skills Are Scarce
Why It Matters:
Many young people are stuck in a cycle: no job, no experience, and no access to training. This leads to discouragement and long-term poverty.
For more detailed information, you can read the full Stats SA report here: South Africa’s Youth in the Labour Market: A Decade in Review.