Tackling Unemployment in South Africa: Why Thubalami is the Tool We Need.

South Africa faces a critical challenge: unemployment remains alarmingly high, contributing to deep-seated poverty and inequality. The National Development Plan (NDP) sets an ambitious goal: reducing unemployment to 6% by 2030. However, as Rhodes University eloquently states, "We need to acknowledge that we will not be able to reach that target unless we do something extraordinary." This is where Thubalami Skills (Pty) Ltd steps in as a transformative solution.

The Unemployment Crisis: A Call for Extraordinary Measures

South Africa’s official unemployment rate stood at 32.6% in the third quarter of 2024. For young people, the picture is even bleaker, with nearly 60% of those aged 15-24 unemployed. These figures underscore the urgency of taking bold and innovative steps. According to a report by Statistics South Africa, skills mismatches and a lack of accessible job-seeking resources are significant contributors to these statistics. Thubalami’s comprehensive approach—combining education, technology, and accessibility—is precisely the kind of extraordinary intervention the NDP calls for.

How Thubalami Makes a Difference

1. Affordable Skills Development: At an estimated R2,850 per student, the Workplace Preparation Course equips individuals with essential job readiness skills, ensuring they are prepared to enter the workforce with confidence.

2. Strategic Partnerships: By collaborating with CET colleges and potentially municipal bodies like the City of Ekurhuleni, Thubalami is extending its reach to communities across the country.

3. Sustainability: Thubalami’s hybrid model—combining course fees, licensing revenue, and grant funding—ensures long-term viability and the ability to scale operations nationwide.

   
   

Building on Proven Models

Globally, job creation programs that emphasize skills development and technology integration have proven successful. For example:

• Germany’s dual education system combines classroom learning with on-the-job training, yielding one of the lowest youth unemployment rates in the world.

• Rwanda’s YouthConnekt Initiative leverages technology to link young people with employment opportunities, significantly reducing youth unemployment.

Thubalami draws inspiration from these models, tailoring its approach to South Africa’s unique challenges.

Join the Movement

Achieving the NDP’s vision requires collective action. By supporting Thubalami—as a student, partner, or funder—you become part of an extraordinary effort to reduce unemployment, alleviate poverty, and foster equality. Let’s seize this opportunity to change lives and build a more prosperous South Africa.

Visit www.thubalami.com to learn more about our programs and how you can get involved. Together, we can do something extraordinary.

...By Sabelo Jeffrey Nkosi