Why South Africa Needs Fair Systems, Not Just Entrepreneurship Programs for Youth

South Africa has a big problem: many young people cannot find jobs. The government and other groups often say that starting a business is the answer. But this article argues that this approach is not fair. The real problem is that the system is broken for many young people, especially those from townships and rural areas.

What is the problem?

More than 60% of young people aged 15 to 24 do not have jobs. This number is even higher in some provinces like the Eastern Cape. These areas were hurt badly by apartheid, and the damage is still there today. Young people from these places face many barriers: they cannot get loans, they do not have good roads or internet, and big companies do not buy from them.

Why is entrepreneurship not enough?

Many programs teach young people how to write business plans, code, or pitch ideas. But these programs focus on fixing the person, not the system. They assume that if young people learn the right skills, they will succeed. But the truth is, even if they have skills, they still face unfair systems that keep them out. For example, a young woman in a small town might have a great idea and training, but banks will not give her a loan because she has no history or property to use as a guarantee.

What should change?

The article says we need to change the system, not just the person. This means:

• Making it easier for small businesses to sell to the government and big companies.
• Changing bank rules so that people without property can still get loans.
• Building better roads, internet, and electricity in townships and rural areas.
• Measuring success by whether things actually improve, not just by how many people attend workshops.

What about funders?

Organizations that give money should also change. Instead of funding short programs that only help a few people, they should invest in making the whole system better. For example, they could help build local markets or improve access to finance for everyone.

The article ends by saying: young people are not asking for charity. They are asking for a fair chance. The country needs to fix the system so that ordinary young people, not just the extraordinary ones, can succeed.

This article was originally published on Daily Maverick.