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IOL News
6 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Why South Africa's R700 million National Dialogue won't solve youth unemployment
DESPITE clear challenges facing South Africa like rampant youth unemployment, deepening inequality, crime, and a failing economy, the government still insists on a multimillion rand national dialogue. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers As an activist who works directly with young people, I've seen firsthand the heartbreak and frustration that unemployment causes. Every day, I listen to young graduates with no job prospects, informal traders struggling to scale, and young minds with brilliant ideas but limited access to funding. So when I hear that R700 million is being allocated to a National Dialogue, I can't help but ask: is this really what South Africa needs right now? There are more than 8 million unemployed young people in this country. That number isn't just a statistic—it's a sign of deep social failure. We are sitting on a ticking time bomb, and the government's answer is to talk? Dialogue in principle is not a bad thing. In a society still scarred by division and inequality, talking to each other is necessary. But dialogue alone does not change the material conditions of people's lives. Talking doesn't put food on the table. It doesn't create jobs. It doesn't fix broken infrastructure or fund small businesses. Next Stay Close ✕ And it certainly doesn't justify spending nearly three-quarters of a billion rand in a country where young people are starving for opportunity. The R700 million cost is not small change. It could fund 70,000 learnerships at R10,000 each - giving young people valuable skills, experience, and a chance to enter the formal economy. It could provide R20,000 micro-grants to over 35,000 youth-led startups, spurring township economies and cutting youth dependency on social grants. That money could be used to scale digital skills programs, agricultural projects, artisan training, or green energy initiatives - all sectors with the potential to absorb youth and create sustainable employment. But instead, that money is being poured into venues, catering, travel, consultancy fees, and bureaucratic processes. All for a conversation. Young people are tired of being told their voices matter, while no one listens to their cries for jobs and dignity. We've attended the youth summits. We've sat in roundtable discussions. We've made submissions to policy documents that no one reads. And nothing changes. We don't need another conference. We need commitment. Action. Budgets that reflect our reality, not political posturing. Let me be clear: we are not asking for handouts. We are asking for investment. We are asking to be equipped to drive our development. Every day, young people are launching businesses, running coding workshops, setting up farming cooperatives, creating art, and building apps. But without support, these efforts burn out. What we need is access - access to funding, markets, tools, and mentorship. The real tragedy is not that we lack ideas; it is that we fail to implement them. It's that the government doesn't trust us enough to invest in them. If R700 million were placed in a youth innovation fund, administered by young people for young people, we'd see immediate results. Imagine community centres turned into business hubs. Empty municipal buildings repurposed into training facilities. Peer-led mentorship programs in every township and rural district. This is not a fantasy. It is a possibility, if priorities are set right. The gap between government and the youth is not just economic, it's moral. It's about trust, dignity, and respect. When money is constantly spent on events and bureaucracy while students sleep in libraries and informal workers get harassed by police, it tells us exactly where we stand: nowhere near the top. A national dialogue, in theory, sounds noble. But in a country facing a youth unemployment crisis of over 60%, any initiative not directly creating jobs or building pathways into employment must be questioned. Talking is not the problem. The problem is inaction. The problem is misplaced spending. The problem is a government that is more comfortable performing empathy than practising it. R700 million could change lives. It could light up rural communities with business activity. It could turn informal traders into formal employers. It could make learnerships more accessible to millions who are currently excluded from the system. Instead, it's being funnelled into a process that has no guarantee of tangible outcomes. At this point, young people don't want to be included in dialogues-they wish to be included in budgets. To empower youth, fund their futures. Don't invite them to another table where the agenda has already been written. Don't ask them to speak while you've already decided what you're going to do. We are not anti-dialogue. We are anti-waste. We are anti-symbolism without substance. If this National Dialogue cannot lead to immediate, job-creating action, then it is not worth the cost. If you genuinely want to change lives, stop hosting summits and start funding solutions. The youth of South Africa have waited long enough. We are not lazy. We are not entitled. We are ready. But we are also tired, tired of empty promises dressed up as progress. This is not a call for more words. It's a call for choices that put people first. And that begins by asking a simple question: if you had R700 million and 8 million unemployed young people, would you talk, or would you act? *Mayalo is an independent writer and the views expressed here are not necessarily those of IOL and Independent Media
IOL News
15 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Financial stress: 70% of South Africans are worried about money
Regionally, people living in the Western Cape are now the most financially concerned, surpassing Gauteng. Image: Towfiqu Barbhuiya Anxiety over money may be at levels last seen in 2022, yet 70% of South Africans are still experiencing financial stress compared to the past two years. Despite this decline, money concerns still impacts daily life substantially. Among those experiencing financial stress, 91% felt it affected their home life, while 73% reported an impact on their work life, and a further 73% said it affected their health. This is according to the fourth annual DebtBusters Money-Stress Tracker. The survey polled over 27,000 respondents who are not in debt counselling during May and June 2025. It found that 70% of respondents experienced money stress in 2025. This marks a decrease from 78% in 2023 and 75% in 2024. This overall reduction in stress is attributed to fewer national crises, such as loadshedding, reduced inflation, and people starting to better manage their finances, allowing them to look beyond short-term survival. Yet, Benay Sager, executive head of DebtBusters, said, more than 90% of South Africans with unsustainable debt do not proactively seek professional support like debt counselling. 'This underscores the ongoing importance of stress-management programmes, financial education, and awareness campaigns that address stigma and promote early intervention,' Sager said. 'It also highlights the need for innovative solutions to deal with money stress, particularly those that help consumers stretch their money further.' The survey revealed significant debt repayment pressures. Almost two-thirds of respondents allocated around a third or more of their after-tax income to debt repayment, with almost half spending over 40% of what they earn paying back what they have borrowed – a level considered unsustainable. People aged 45 or older are under the most severe debt-repayment pressure, with 60% having unsustainable levels of debt and all respondents earning over R20,000 a month also face considerable pressure and often take on debt they can't afford. 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 Yet, the number and value of civil debt cases in South Africa have declined, according to the latest data from Statistics South Africa for May. The total value of civil judgements recorded for debt decreased by 8%, which the agency linked to smaller amounts owed from money lent and fewer written promises to pay a stated sum to a specific person. Analysed with the help of psychologist Andrea Kellerman, the results also showed a shift in how South Africans manage money stress. While people tended to seek better jobs or start a side hustle in 2022 and 2023, and debt counselling was preferred in 2024, the 2025 survey indicates a growing emphasis on entrepreneurial efforts, multiple income streams, and financial independence. Women reported higher levels of financial stress than men, with almost three out of four female respondents saying they suffered money worries. Women are around 10% more stressed about finances overall and are 20% more stressed about work life, home life, and health compared to men. Short-term concerns continue to dominate for the financially stressed, with the top two being running out of money before the end of the month and struggling to pay off monthly debt. A third of respondents reported actively cutting back on monthly spending, down from 43% in 2022, suggesting that savings fatigue has set in. The impact of interest rate increases, while still significant, has subsided compared to 2023 and 2024. Middle-aged respondents (35 – 44 years) were the most financially stressed. Concerns about retirement increased for those aged 45 and older compared to 2024, indicating that this age group is now able to look beyond immediate short-term concerns. Lower-income groups are the most concerned about the impact of interest rate increases or unexpected expenses. While electricity costs are an elevated concern across all income groups compared to 2024, retirement worries are more pronounced in the upper-income brackets. Regionally, people living in the Western Cape are now the most financially concerned, surpassing Gauteng, which reported the most money stress in 2024. The Western Cape is also where most people worry about unexpected expenses and retirement. Smaller provinces, such as the Northern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, saw significant increases in concerns about electricity costs and interest rates. IOL
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Four players sold abroad in four years
Since 2022, Kaizer Chiefs have sold Njabulo Blom to St Louis, Siyabonga Ngezana to FCSB, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe to Al-Ittihad and Yusuf Maart to SV Ried. ADVERTISEMENT This impressive influx of cash helped Kaizer Chiefs balance its books and sign new players such as Rushwin Dortley, Inacio Miguel and Glody Lilepo. According to Transfermarkt, the leading global source for player market values, the deals have generated around R70 million for the club known as Amakhosi. KAIZER CHIEFS PLAYER SALES IN FOUR YEARS Striker's father reveals what Amakhosi asked him Njabulo Blom – St. Louis City SC (USA) – €300,000 (± R6 million) Since 2022, the first sale was the homegrown talent Njabulo Blom, aged 23, who was transferred to St. Louis City SC in Major League Soccer for an estimated €300,000, equating to about R6 million. ADVERTISEMENT French-based star waiting for Kaizer Chiefs bosses 2. Siyabonga Ngezana – FCSB (Romania) – €600,000 (± R12 million) In July 2023, Siyabonga Ngezana was transferred to Romanian Liga I side FCSB (formerly Steaua Bucharest) for an estimated €600,000, or around R12 million. A solid defender and academy product, his sale marked the club's strategic move to develop and sell talent at peak value. 3. Thatayaone Ditlhokwe – Al-Ittihad (Libya) – €810,000 (± R16.2 million) ADVERTISEMENT Botswana international Thatayaone Ditlhokwe was sold in 2023 to Libyan giants Al-Ittihad for an estimated €810,000 (around R16.2 million). His departure added another profitable sale, despite limited impact at Kaizer Chiefs. 4. YUSUF MAART – SV RIED (AUSTRIA) – €1,000,000 (± R20 MILLION) The biggest of the lot was just a week ago. Yusuf Maart joined Austrian Bundesliga side SV Ried for an estimated €1,000,000 (approximately R20 million). His move was both a financial win and a significant loss on the pitch. However, Kaizer Chiefs are rumoured to be close to signing Feisal Salum from Azam FC, with the funds, possibly one or two more players. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CLUB'S TRANSFERS SO FAR THIS WINTER? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 ADVERTISEMENT Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. ADVERTISEMENT
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates sell prodigy once dubbed as 'the next big thing'
An Orlando Pirates midfielder has completed a permanent move to Betway Premiership rivals Chippa United. The Buccaneers have been busy in the transfer market in terms of both incoming and outgoing players. Now, the latest exit has been confirmed by the player himself! READ MORE • Mamelodi Sundowns star set for European switch! READ MORE • R20 million Mamelodi Sundowns star wanted by Siwelele FC! 23-year-old Orlando Pirates midfielder Azola Tshobeni has completed a permanent move to Chippa United. The talented midfielder burst onto the scene back in 2020 after graduating from the club's academy. After a string of strong performances, much was expected from the silky smooth midfielder. However, competition for places meant Orlando Pirates opted to loan their rising star out in 2021. Tshobeni would spend the next three seasons out on loan and now, his permanent exit has been confirmed. He leaves Orlando Pirates having made 11 first team appearances for the club, as per Transfermarkt . The player's representative P Management Sports confirmed his move to Chippa United on Tuesday evening. READ MORE • How much Pirates paid for Oswin Appollis! While his talent was undeniable. What do you think went wrong for Azola Tshobeni at Orlando Pirates? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Two men who went on Kariega crime spree found guilty
Two men have been convicted by the Gqeberha high court of terrorising residents during a violent robbery spree in KwaNobuhle, Kariega (formerly Uitenhage). Ntlantle Jawa, 32, and Siphosethu Level, 26, were found guilty on one count of murder and two of robbery with aggravating circumstances, stemming from a series of crimes committed on the night of July 29 2023. Both men pleaded not guilty, but the court found their testimony lacked credibility. Level was acquitted of charges related to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and both were cleared of one count of pointing a firearm. The crime spree began at about 8pm when the first victim parked his blue Audi at his home in KwaNobuhle. He was approached by the accused and a third suspect — now deceased — who held him at gunpoint, robbing him of R20, his cellphone and the Audi.
