‘We hear your frustrations’ — Ramaphosa tells South African youths amid xenophobic attacks

Ahead of Youth Day, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to structural reforms and job-creation programmes for South Africa’s youth, citing the Presidential Employment Stimulus’ creation of over 2.5 million work opportunities as proof of progress.

South Africa marks Youth Day on June 16 — and President Cyril Ramaphosa wants young people to know he’s listening.

In a statement on Monday, the president acknowledged the harsh economic reality many young South Africans face: scarce jobs, limited opportunities, and persistent unemployment. “Many of you are working hard, applying for jobs, pursuing training and seeking opportunities, only to face disappointment. We hear these frustrations, and we understand that they are real,” he said.

Ramaphosa pointed to his government’s infrastructure push and economic reforms — including R890 billion in new investment pledges secured over the past year — as the long-term fix. “Inclusive economic growth is essential if we are to tackle youth unemployment in a meaningful and lasting way,” he explained, while admitting “these efforts will take time to translate into jobs.”

In the meantime, he leaned on his flagship Presidential Employment Stimulus, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he says has created over 2.5 million work and livelihood opportunities — more than 80% going to young people, two-thirds to women.

He also name-dropped a string of programmes — the Basic Education Employment Initiative, Social Employment Fund, Youth Employment Service, revitalised National Youth Service, and Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund — as stepping stones toward permanent jobs or small businesses.

His closing appeal was simple: “Every company, every department, every organisation and every South African who is able to open a door for a young person must do so.”

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