Latest news with #BronwynWilliams
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SA youth not unemployed, rather under-employed
Can we still depend on Statistics SA's data on unemployment or should we change how we look at people who are not formally employed? South Africa's youth are not so much unemployed as underemployed and uncounted, according to a news report that states Generation Z is far from inactive. According to the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey conducted by Statistics SA, the official unemployment rate for the first quarter was 32.9%. For the youth, defined as people between the ages of 15 and 34, the total number of unemployed increased by 151 000 to 4.8 million, while employed youth recorded a decrease of 153 000 to 5.7 million. As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased from 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025. These figures caused an outcry yet again, with many organisations expressing their dismay at this high rate of unemployment. However, it seems that the youth unemployment rate tells only part of the story. Emerging data, including the newly released Gen Z Economy Report, suggests that this generation is far from inactive. They are not unemployed but rather under-employed, Ronen Aires, CEO of Student Village, says. Student Village, in partnership with futurist, economist and business trends analyst, Bronwyn Williams of Flux Trends, released The Gen Z Economy Report: Cash, Culture and Clout, earlier this month. ALSO READ: The dark picture of youth unemployment in South Africa Youth are not unemployed, just not formally employed This research report shows that Gen Z is not idle. 'They are hustling in the shadows of a broken system that fails to count them, let alone support them. Only 16.6% of Gen Zs identify as unemployed. They are participating in the economy, just not in the conventional ways captured by official data.' The report is based on responses from more than 900 South Africans between the ages of 18 and 30 and paints a picture of a generation shaped by financial pressure and economic uncertainty but defined by grit and ingenuity, Williams says. 'Young South Africans operate outside the boundaries of formal employment today. They are creators, freelancers, micro-entrepreneurs, influencers, digital editors, crypto traders, tutors and resellers, blending education with gig work, supporting themselves through multiple income streams and carving out economic agency in an environment where traditional pathways are shrinking.' Yet, Willaims points out, the metrics still label them as 'NEETs' (not in education, employment or training). She says this narrative is not only outdated but also misleading. ALSO READ: Improvement in unemployment rate, but SA still needs almost 8 million jobs Employment data misses the nuance and leaves an incomplete picture Aires says when data misses the nuance, policies and strategies do too and when businesses, employers and institutions rely on incomplete pictures, they risk missing out on one of the most agile and driven generations yet. Key findings from the Gen Z Economy Report include: Side hustles are the main income source for Gen Z at 21.7%, followed by parental support (20%) and Nsfas grants (17.5%). Most Gen Zs are earning below R5 000 per month, yet 90.5% are saving regularly, despite low-income levels. Savings go primarily toward emergencies (25.75%) and education (19.83%), signalling both anxiety about the future and strong aspirational intent. Gen Z places high value on financial independence, ethical alignment and personalised, digital-first experiences. Nearly 30% are already exploring cryptocurrency and alternative investment platforms, reflecting a mindset that is cautious as well as forward-thinking. ALSO READ: Economy sheds jobs again in first quarter, unemployment worse than year ago Do not underestimate Gen Z Aires says for sectors like banking, retail, telecoms, alcohol and personal care goods, this report should serve as a clear wake-up call as it shows that this generation wants authentic value, mutual respect and long-term relevance. 'Stereotypes about disinterest or irresponsibility do not hold up under scrutiny, as Gen Z is financially literate and looking for meaningful engagement and value from businesses and brands. Young South Africans are navigating a shrinking economy with grit, creativity and pragmatism. 'If we continue to underestimate them, we squander one of our most powerful engines for inclusive economic recovery.' The formal employment outlook may be bleak, but South Africa's youth economy is active, adaptive and growing in influence, Williams says. 'It is time to move beyond outdated narratives and start building real opportunities that reflect the reality on the ground.' ALSO READ: Is South Africa's unemployment rate really only 10%? Capitec CEO also wonders about who is really unemployed The Gen Z report is not the only one to doubt the unemployment data. Gerrie Fourie, CEO of Capitec, said last week that Statistics SA should rethink how it measures unemployment, arguing that when the vast informal sector is considered, the unemployment rate of 32.9% could be closer to 10%. 'We talk about an unemployment rate of 32%, but Statistics SA does not count self-employed people. I think that is an area we must correct. The unemployment rate is probably actually 10%. Just go look at the number of people in the township informal market who sell all sorts of stuff and have a turnover of R1 000 per day. 'To grow South Africa, we must understand what is happening in the informal market. If we really had a 32% unemployment rate, we would have unrest. If you go to the townships, most people have back rooms to rent out; everyone is doing something. If we talk about job creation, let's go out and encourage these entrepreneurs.' NOW READ: Minister agrees unemployment statistics should include work in informal sector
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Youth employment figures tell a different story of a hustling generation
Youth unemployment rates mask a generation of under-employed innovators Image: File As South Africa grapples with staggering employment statistics, the latest Q1 2025 Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) from StatsSA paints a grim picture. Full-time employment decreased by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter, but the alarming 44.6% youth unemployment rate conveys only part of a much larger narrative. Emerging data, notably the newly released Gen Z Economy Report, indicates that this generation is not idle; they're thriving within an underemployment reality. Student Village, in collaboration with futurist and economist Bronwyn Williams of Flux Trends, recently released 'The Gen Z Economy Report: Cash, Culture and Clout,' shedding light on the dynamic activities of South Africa's young workforce. Rather than falling victim to the traditional labels of unemployment, young South Africans are tapping into their creativity and resourcefulness to redefine what it means to participate in the economy. 'Only 16.6% of Gen Zs identify as unemployed,' says Ronen Aires, CEO of Student Village. 'They are participating in the economy — just not in the conventional ways captured by official data.' Based on responses from over 900 South Africans aged 18 to 30, the report draws attention to a generation marked by financial pressures yet defined by impressive grit and determination. Instead of traditional job roles, today's youth are steering their careers in fresh directions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading From creators and freelancers to micro-entrepreneurs and influencers, they are blending learning with gig work to build diverse income streams, thus crafting economic agency in an environment that increasingly narrows traditional pathways. Yet, outdated metrics continue to label them as 'NEETs' (not in education, employment or training)—a narrative that is misleadingly simplistic. 'When data misses the nuance, policies and strategies do too,' Aires asserts. 'And when businesses, employers, and institutions rely on incomplete pictures, they risk missing out on one of the most agile and driven generations yet.' Key findings from the Gen Z Economy Report reveal: Side hustles are the main income source for 21.7%, followed closely by parental support (20%) and NSFAS grants (17.5%). Most Gen Zs earn below R5,000 per month, yet 90.5% are saving regularly, indicating a strong desire for financial security despite low income. Emergency savings (25.75%) and education (19.83%) dominate their saving habits, reflecting both uncertainty and aspiration. This generation prioritises financial independence, ethical values, and seeks personalised, digital-first experiences from businesses. Nearly 30% are exploring cryptocurrency and alternative investments, showing a cautious yet innovative approach to finance.
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
New study reveals the hustle, habits and hidden power of SA's young consumers
New research into the spending habits of South Africa's youth reveals that 80% still use cash regularly, not because they reject digital but because fees, access and trust gaps persist. Cash is king, credit is hard to come by and side hustles often bring in more than 9-to-5 jobs. That's life for many young South Africans. But Gen Zs are not sitting back waiting for a break. They're making a plan and figuring things out for themselves. Youth specialists Student Village, in partnership with Futurist, Economist and Business Trends Analyst, Bronwyn Williams of Flux Trends, released The Gen Z Economy Report: Cash, Culture and Clout — new research unveiling how young people in South Africa earn, spend, save and think about money. Based on responses from over 900 South Africans aged 18 to 30, the report shows a generation shaped by financial pressure and economic uncertainty, but full of grit. It reveals how Gen Z is rethinking what it means to earn, spend and save, and why brands need to start paying closer attention.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Enlit Africa 2025: Igniting Africa's energy and water future – just one week to go!
The countdown is on! From 20-22 May 2025, the vibrant city of Cape Town will host Enlit Africa, the continent's most electrifying gathering of power, energy and water professionals. This is not just an event—it's a call to spark transformation, forge connections and power a sustainable future for Africa and beyond. With a dynamic programme bursting with innovation, inspiration and actionable insights, Enlit Africa is set to be the unmissable epicentre of Africa's energy and water revolution. A powerhouse of vision and innovation Enlit Africa 2025 is where the brightest minds, boldest ideas and cutting-edge technologies converge to shape the future of Africa's power, energy and water sectors. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this three-day extravaganza will bring together utilities, policymakers, innovators, investors and thought leaders from across the continent and the globe. Expect nothing less than a high-voltage experience, with over 200 expert speakers, thousands of attendees and a programme designed to ignite change and challenge the status quo From the Keynote Stage, where global visionaries like Sabine Dall'Omo, CEO of Siemens South Africa and Bronwyn Williams, Futurist at Flux Trends, will set the tone for transformation, to the Strategise Stage, tackling critical topics like nuclear energy and regional interconnectors, Enlit Africa is a catalyst for progress. The Innovate Stage will showcase breakthroughs in smart grids and digitalisation, while the Power Hub dives deep into generation and distribution advancements, including the game-changing potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and green hydrogen. Water Security Africa: A Vital Focus Running alongside Enlit Africa, Water Security Africa will tackle one of the continent's most pressing challenges—sustainable water management. With sessions on desalination, smart metering and climate-resilient infrastructure, this dedicated track features trailblazers like Sean Phillips, Director General, Department of Water&Sanitation and Jay Bhagwan, Water Research Commission, who will share strategies to secure Africa's water future. Highlights include the Youth in Water Forum, spotlighting young innovators and a GreenCape-hosted workshop to scale water security initiatives. Unparalleled networking and business opportunities Enlit Africa is more than a conference—it's a networking powerhouse. Connect with peers, partners and pioneers at the Engage Networking Dinner (sponsored by Standard Bank) or the Networking Function (sponsored by Actom). Dive into exclusive roundtables, masterclasses and the Projects&Investment Network, designed to turn ideas into bankable projects. For those looking to explore real-world innovation, site visits on 23 May to Robben Island, Western Cape Water facilities and more offer a front-row seat to Africa's energy and water infrastructure. The Women in Energy programme on 21 May is a highlight, celebrating female leadership with the launch of Standard Bank's Future Females in Energy Initiative and powerful discussions on tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and fostering inclusive workplaces. With speakers like Candice Hartley, Chief People Officer at Eskom, this session is a call to action for equality and empowerment. Why you can't miss Enlit Africa 2025 Premium networking: Forge partnerships with utilities, municipalities, developers and investors. Expert insights: Hear from over 200 speakers, including Calib Cassim, CFO of Eskom and Monde Bala, Group Executive: Distribution, Eskom. Practical learning: Masterclasses and workshops deliver hands-on knowledge from industry veterans. Business opportunities: Explore the latest technologies and innovations in the expansive exhibition floor. Career advancement: Stay ahead of trends in nuclear, renewables, smart grids and water management. Inspiration: Engage with a community passionate about transforming Africa's energy and water landscape. Programme highlights 20 May: Kick off with keynotes from South Africa's Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and a panel on technology's role in powering Africa's future. 21 May: Dive into climate finance, nuclear energy's strategic role and regional interconnectors, with insights from Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa. 22 May: Join the Energy&Infrastructure Skills Development Taskforce workshop to shape the workforce of tomorrow. For water enthusiasts, Water Security Africa offers roundtables on projects like South Africa's National desalination initiative and discussions on municipal water delivery with leaders like Shyam Misra, Group MD of Siza Water. Join the movement With just two weeks to go, now is the time to secure your spot at Enlit Africa 2025. Choose from a range of attendance options, from the Free Expo Visitor Pass to the Platinum Package, which includes exclusive access to strategic sessions, networking dinners and site visits. Visit Enlit Africa on or contact Vuyisa Mfobo at vuyisamfobo@ or +27 66 305 7203 to upgrade your experience. Don't miss your chance to be part of the event that's lighting up Africa's energy and water future. Enlit Africa 2025 is where connections are made, ideas are born and the continent's sustainable tomorrow takes shape. Let's power up, innovate and transform—together! Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group. Note: Programme details and speakers are subject to change. About Enlit Africa: Enlit Africa celebrates 25 years in the African power, energy, and water sector. A game-changing event, it brings the top manufacturers, associations, institutions, and government leaders together to shape a sustainable, prosperous energy and water future for Africa. A leading power, energy and water conference and exhibition, Enlit Africa is designed to provide a unique platform to connect decision-makers and determine Africa's future direction of travel. Enlit Africa takes place from 20 - 22 May 2025 at the CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. The event is CPD accredited by the SAIEE and SAICE, thereby contributing to the professional development of industry experts. For more information, please visit the Enlit Africa website at or contact our team at info@ About The Vuka Group: VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem. With 20 years of experience in Africa, the group serves the Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport and Retail sectors, through a range of industry touchpoints across digital, print and in-person platforms. With a commitment to data at its core, the group is well-positioned to support industry stakeholders today and into the future. Operating from Cape Town, South Africa the group is actively involved in projects across continental Africa and boasts a diverse African team who take great pride in the work they do for the sectors and markets they serve.
Mail & Guardian
08-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Enlit Africa 2025: Igniting Africa's energy and water future – just two weeks to go!
The countdown is on! From 20-22 May 2025, the vibrant city of Cape Town will host A powerhouse of vision and innovation Enlit Africa 2025 is where the brightest minds, boldest ideas and cutting-edge technologies converge to shape the future of Africa's power, energy and water sectors. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this three-day extravaganza will bring together utilities, policymakers, innovators, investors and thought leaders from across the continent and the globe. Expect nothing less than a high-voltage experience, with over 200 expert speakers, thousands of attendees and a programme designed to ignite change and challenge the status quo From the Keynote Stage, where global visionaries like Sabine Dall'Omo, CEO of Siemens South Africa and Bronwyn Williams, Futurist at Flux Trends, will set the tone for transformation, to the Strategise Stage, tackling critical topics like nuclear energy and regional interconnectors, Enlit Africa is a catalyst for progress. The Innovate Stage will showcase breakthroughs in smart grids and digitalisation, while the Power Hub dives deep into generation and distribution advancements, including the game-changing potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and green hydrogen. Running alongside Enlit Africa, Unparalleled networking and business opportunities Enlit Africa is more than a conference—it's a networking powerhouse. Connect with peers, partners and pioneers at the Engage Networking Dinner (sponsored by Standard Bank) or the Networking Function (sponsored by ACTOM). Dive into exclusive roundtables, masterclasses and the Projects & Investment Network, designed to turn ideas into bankable projects. For those looking to explore real-world innovation, site visits on 23 May to Robben Island, Western Cape Water facilities and more offer a front-row seat to Africa's energy and water infrastructure. The Women in Energy programme on 21 May is a highlight, celebrating female leadership with the launch of Standard Bank's Future Females in Energy Initiative and powerful discussions on tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and fostering inclusive workplaces. With speakers like Candice Hartley, Chief People Officer at Eskom, this session is a call to action for equality and empowerment. Why you can't miss Enlit Africa 2025 Premium networking: Forge partnerships with utilities, municipalities, developers and investors. Expert insights: Hear from over 200 speakers, including Calib Cassim, CFO of Eskom and Monde Bala, Group Executive: Distribution, Eskom. Practical learning: Masterclasses and workshops deliver hands-on knowledge from industry veterans. Business opportunities: Explore the latest technologies and innovations in the expansive exhibition floor. Career advancement: Stay ahead of trends in nuclear, renewables, smart grids and water management. Inspiration: Engage with a community passionate about transforming Africa's energy and water landscape. Programme highlights 20 May: Kick off with keynotes from South Africa's Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and a panel on technology's role in powering Africa's future. 21 May: Dive into climate finance, nuclear energy's strategic role and regional interconnectors, with insights from Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa. 22 May: Join the Energy & Infrastructure Skills Development Taskforce workshop to shape the workforce of tomorrow. For water enthusiasts, Water Security Africa offers roundtables on projects like South Africa's National desalination initiative and discussions on municipal water delivery with leaders like Shyam Misra, Group MD of Siza Water. Join the movement With just two weeks to go, now is the time to secure your spot at Enlit Africa 2025. Choose from a range of attendance options, from the Don't miss your chance to be part of the event that's lighting up Africa's energy and water future. Enlit Africa 2025 is where connections are made, ideas are born and the continent's sustainable tomorrow takes shape. Let's power up, innovate and transform—together! For media inquiries, contact: VUKA Group Media Team Email: Note: Programme details and speakers are subject to change.
