Fighting the Odds: Backing South Africa’s Youth

I’ve walked some of these roads myself. Not all of them, of course, but enough to know what it feels like to be full of potential yet boxed in by systems you didn’t build or ask for. Like many young South Africans, I’ve seen firsthand how your postcode can determine your opportunities, and how your dreams often have to fight harder just to stay alive.

Young people in this country are more than a demographic; they’re the soul of our future. With over a third of South Africa’s population under age 35, youth hold incredible power to reshape our society. But let’s be honest: that power doesn’t always come with a pathway. For too many, especially in under-resourced areas, life feels like a race where the starting line keeps moving further away.

Barriers to Entry: An Unequal Starting Line

The journey for South African youth is often shaped by their socio-economic context. Historical legacies of apartheid still cast a long shadow, particularly in education and employment. Many young people face overcrowded schools, poorly resourced classrooms, and a curriculum that doesn't always equip them for a rapidly changing job market. In rural areas and informal settlements, the situation is often more dire, with limited access to digital tools and connectivity, further marginalising already vulnerable youth.

Resilience and Innovation: Youth Leading the Way

Yet, amid these daunting realities, South African youth are not waiting for change; they are creating it. From township-based tech startups and eco-conscious fashion brands to grassroots education initiatives and mental health advocacy, young people are carving out spaces for themselves and their communities to thrive.

Their resilience is evident not just in survival but also in the boldness of their dreams and the determination to realise them. Young South Africans are increasingly using digital platforms to mobilise, educate, and advocate for issues that matter to them, such as climate justice, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and mental health support. These efforts underscore their understanding that systemic change begins with community-driven action.

Support Systems Matter: The Role of Stakeholders and Enablers

While youth continue to show what is possible through ingenuity and grit, their success is greatly amplified by the support of key stakeholders and enablers. Organisations like EMpower, The Emerging Markets Foundation, are playing a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of youth in South Africa.

EMpower partners with local, community-based organisations deeply embedded in the lives of young people. Through this model, we offer more than funding. EMpower provides mentorship, capacity-building, and platforms for youth leadership. Our focus on economic empowerment, inclusive learning, and safe and healthy lives directly addresses the core challenges youth face.

Economic empowerment initiatives supported by EMpower help youth develop entrepreneurial skills, gain access to vocational training, and secure dignified livelihoods. Inclusive learning programmes, on the other hand, break down traditional educational barriers by embracing flexible, context-appropriate learning models that recognise diverse talents and learning styles. And through efforts to ensure safe and healthy lives, EMpower contributes to creating environments where youth are not just protected from harm, but are in positions/equipped to thrive, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

When young people feel empowered, they begin to see themselves as agents of change. Confidence grows, choices widen, and their aspirations align with action. Empowered youth are more likely to pursue further education, launch businesses, and lead with purpose, transforming their own life trajectories. This ripple effect extends to families gaining economic stability and communities becoming more resilient, hopeful, and future-focused. Empowerment isn't just personal, it's generational and systemic.

The Road Ahead: Partnership and Possibility

South Africa’s future rests on the shoulders of its youth, and investing in them is not optional; it is imperative. Stakeholders across sectors, government, private sector, civil society, and global development partners, must collaborate to create ecosystems that support, rather than stifle, youth potential.

While significant, the progress made so far is just the beginning. With continued and meaningful support and by centring youth voices in development, South Africa can become a global beacon of youth-led change. As the youth rise, undeterred by circumstance, they remind us that transformation is not just possible; it is inevitable.

In their courage and creativity, South Africa’s youth are not merely surviving; they are forging ahead, building a future that is more just, more inclusive, and more hopeful for all.