New research proves ‘mentorship’ can be a silver lining for jobless South Africans
A new study has shown that targeted mentorship and coaching can play a transformative role in lifting unemployed young South Africans out of despair, offering a crucial intervention in a country grappling with chronic youth joblessness.
The Basic Package of Support (BPS) programme, piloted from 2022 to 2024 in three provinces, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, provided personalised coaching and referrals to 1,700 youth aged 15 to 27. The results were striking: improved mental health, stronger resilience, and, for 40% of participants, successful re-engagement with education or income-generating opportunities after just three coaching sessions.
“This is a generation that feels lost, disconnected, and unsupported,” said one researcher. “Our data proves that when young people feel seen and guided, real change happens.”
South Africa has one of the highest youth unemployment rates globally. As of 2024, 37.1% of South Africans aged 15 to 24, which is about 3.4 million individuals, were not in employment, education, or training (NEET), according to Statistics South Africa.
The risk of long-term exclusion is severe, often leading to poor mental health, social marginalisation, and dependence on social grants.
The BPS programme’s methodology included structured coaching, goal-setting, referrals to services like counselling or childcare, and continuous check-ins. The focus was not just employment but holistic wellbeing.
“I didn’t know where to start. It was a blank page,” said a 21-year-old woman who completed two sessions. A young man added: “Before this, I didn’t think I could do anything meaningful with my life… Coaching helped me feel more optimistic.”
According to the research team, 40% of participants accessed learning or income-generating opportunities, while others reported marked improvements in anxiety, emotional distress, and self-esteem.
The programme also revealed stark gender disparities, with only 9% of young men rating peer support as low, compared to 24% of young women. Access to community resources, including health and psychosocial services, was widely reported as lacking.
The findings suggest that skills training alone is insufficient, but broader support systems, covering mental health, access to services, and mentorship, are essential for youth to transition successfully into work or education.
Countries across the Global South face similar youth unemployment challenges, and this research offers a scalable, community-based model. “This is not just a South African issue,” said one policy expert. “It’s a blueprint for any country trying to break the cycle of youth joblessness.”
Disclaimer: The image for the article was AI-generated
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
