Why young changemakers are crucial for South Africa's economic future

South Africa's future economic growth rests firmly in the hands of its youth, but unlocking that potential will require better education, skills development, mentorship and investment.

That is the view of economists, academics and young changemakers who believe the country's next generation is already helping to reshape industries, create jobs and solve community challenges despite significant barriers standing in their way.

Economist Ulrich Joubert said young people are critical to the future success of the country's economy.

"Of course the youth can change the economy. Without the youth, how would we have growth in the economy? They are the people who have to take the growth of the economy forward," he said

.Joubert warned that excluding young people from the economic system would have serious consequences for South Africa's future.

"If we don't bring these people into the overall economic system of South Africa, then what is the future? They can assist us in bringing the change needed for the economy to be competitive domestically and internationally."

However, he stressed that education and training remain the foundation upon which greater youth participation must be built.

"The education and training system is the basis on which the growth in youth involvement needs to be built."

Fellow economist Dawie Roodt shared similar sentiments, saying the country's future lies with its younger generation.

"Yes, of course, the future of the country is the youth."

He noted that technological advancements have created new opportunities for young people to contribute to economic growth.

"There has been much progress that has made it easier for youth to contribute to the economy. Technology makes it possible for people with the capacity to grow the economy and participate in new ways."

Adding to the discussion, Sisa Nhlabathi, a fellow at the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of the Western Cape, said young South Africans should not simply be viewed as victims of unemployment statistics.

"Across the country, many are emerging as entrepreneurs, innovators, social activists and creators of employment opportunities, thereby redefining their role within the labour market," he said.

Nhlabathi said young people are uniquely positioned to shape the future workforce because they are adaptable to technological advancement and changing economic realities.

"Their familiarity with digital platforms, emerging technologies and unconventional business models places them at the forefront of the evolving global economy."

However, he noted that significant gaps remain between the skills obtained through formal education and those required by industry.

While experts believe young South Africans have the potential to become key economic drivers, several young entrepreneurs and innovators say they are already proving what is possible when opportunities are created.

Among them is Tyrone Damon, founder of Game X Africa, a Western Cape-based initiative using esports and gamification to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities.

Damon, who recently became the Western Cape's first official representative of the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations South Africa, said his organisation is exposing young people to the skills needed for tomorrow's economy.

"We are bridging the digital divide through grassroots initiatives where youth learn Fourth Industrial Revolution skills such as coding, robotics, esports, social entrepreneurship and technology-related careers.

"We are creating a low-barrier entry point for young people to learn future skills today that will secure them tomorrow."

Damon said technology has opened doors for young people to learn, innovate and turn ideas into reality, but access remains uneven.

"I would say yes and no when it comes to whether young people have the tools they need. Free resources such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini provide a great foundation for learning."

However, he said many young people continue to face significant challenges, including limited internet access, high data costs, unemployment and social issues.

According to Damon, one of the biggest barriers preventing young innovators from succeeding is a lack of support structures, mentorship and funding.

Award-winning winemaker Kiara Scott Farmer also believes young people are helping to transform industries and create opportunities for others.

Scott Farmer made history in 2024 when she became the first woman of colour and youngest female winemaker to win the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year award. Now Head Winemaker and Cellar Master at Hazendal Wine Estate, she said creating pathways for young people, particularly women, remains a priority.

"I believe my responsibility extends beyond the cellar. I am passionate about creating opportunities for young people, particularly women, to see wine as a viable and rewarding career."

 She said the challenge facing many young South Africans is not a lack of ambition but rather limited access to opportunities, networks and funding.

She added that representation and visibility are equally important in helping young people realise what is possible.

For Jamie Wyngaard, co-founder and chief experience officer of mobility-fintech platform Loop, supporting entrepreneurship is one of the most effective ways to address unemployment.

Wyngaard has built an international reputation through technology platforms aimed at improving financial inclusion and supporting informal businesses.

Through Loop, he has focused on making it easier for entrepreneurs to start businesses and access digital payments.

"Businesses and entrepreneurship are how we are going to create more jobs. There is no magic wand. If we can support more entrepreneurs and make business easier, we can create employment opportunities."

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Weekend Argus