Publication: TimesLIVE
Author: Keith Michael
Photograph: 123RF/Dimitriy Shironosov
President Cyril Ramaphosa's state of the nation address painted the usual picture of a government claiming to be working towards improving education, enhancing safety and reducing unemployment. Maybe it is time we take stock of the real action being taken to fight these challenges and be honest with ourselves on real achievements in the last 30 years of democracy.
Most South Africans have seen little to no change, while to others, the needle is not moving fast enough. It is time for collective action to face these challenges, not just by the government but by businesses and society alike.
The facts speak for themselves: limited access to quality education has a direct relation with unemployability, which can push individuals towards desperate circumstances such as criminal activities.
In his speech, Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of grade R education for the sake of early learning and childhood development. Rightly so, as research has repeatedly shown that early childhood education is one of the most powerful tools in breaking the cycle of poverty. Yet for many South African families, the costs associated with sending a child to school early — transport, uniforms and food — are still not accessible.
As corporates, we are uniquely positioned to support and drive government initiatives that translate into real impact for our communities. Through strengthening the education system and increasing job prospects, we can build a society that has a chance to thrive.
It may be an unpopular opinion, but economic growth is a shared responsibility. Yes, government sets the policy framework, but collective action is required to bring about execution. By actively investing in skills development, entrepreneurship and industry-specific training programmes, business can help shape the future workforce.
The latest figures from Stats SA showing the “efforts” by the government are noted, but it has been slow, with the unemployment rate still hovering above 30%. Perhaps the president’s focus on job creation, particularly in agriculture and tourism, presents an opportunity for businesses to invest in long-term solutions at macro-economic level.
Agriculture, for instance, holds enormous potential — not only for food security even for schools but as a source of employment, especially in rural areas. This is where businesses can make a difference by funding agricultural training programmes and creating incentives for young people to enter the sector. The same applies to tourism, which if developed sustainably can become a powerful economic driver for small communities.
However, creating jobs is not enough. The reality of many hard-working South Africans is that they are “wage earners”, meaning that while they are employed, they struggle to make ends meet. Wage stagnation, rising transport costs and the burden of supporting extended families mean that employment alone does not equate to financial security. Companies must move beyond merely hiring workers and instead focus on providing living wages, upskilling opportunities and career development initiatives that allow employees to build stable, fulfilling careers.
The link between unemployment and crime is undeniable. When people have no means to support themselves, crime becomes an economic alternative. Yet South Africa’s approach to crime has often been reactive rather than preventive. The focus must shift to creating economic opportunities that divert young people from criminal activities before they even begin.
Education, employment and crime are not separate issues but unified challenges that require a united response. The government cannot fix these problems alone
One promising model is the Youth Employment Service (YES), which has already placed thousands of young South Africans in entry-level jobs. However, as the private sector, we need to scale our involvement, not just through funding but by actively integrating young people into the workforce.
At-risk youth can be steered towards legitimate career paths through mentorship and skills development programmes. Companies that invest in learnerships, apprenticeships and vocational training not only contribute to crime prevention but also help build a more skilled and employable workforce for the future. Funding opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can also drive economic inclusion, allowing young entrepreneurs to develop businesses that contribute meaningfully to the economy.
We note the matric results, where over 600,000 learners passed their final exams — an achievement that some might argue is not worthy of celebration. This is due to two main reasons.
First, the quality and standard of our education is not convincing, with the pass mark now set at a mere 30% for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam.
Second, passing matric is just the beginning. The challenge lies in what comes after. Many of these learners will not progress to university — not necessarily because of a lack of ambition but because of financial constraints and limited access to tertiary education opportunities. Some will go to university, work hard and attain their qualifications, only to struggle to find a job.
This is where businesses must come in and provide work-readiness programmes, internships and vocational training to ensure that these young people are not left behind.
Beyond work-readiness, businesses can also make meaningful contributions to the education system itself. South Africa faces significant challenges, including resource shortages, infrastructure gaps and unequal access to quality education. By investing in infrastructure development, companies can help renovate schools in underserved communities, provide basic resources such as textbooks and furniture, and support the construction of proper sanitation facilities, libraries and computer labs.
Supporting teacher development is another impactful strategy. Businesses can fund or organise professional development workshops, establish mentorship initiatives for educators, and offer incentives to retain high-performing teachers, particularly in rural or disadvantaged areas.
Businesses can donate devices such as computers and tablets, partner with tech companies to provide affordable internet connectivity, and sponsor digital learning platforms tailored to the South African curriculum. As we have seen with the likes of Vodacom through its e-School platform, Samsung and MTN, to name a few.
Collaboration is key. Companies can establish adopt-a-school programmes to provide ongoing support, work with NGOs to amplify the impact of education initiatives and encourage employee volunteering in schools. These efforts will not only uplift individual learners but also strengthen the education system as a whole.
The “triple P” framework (prevention, protection and promotion) offers a strategic way to support matriculants in finding their path. Businesses can align with this model by creating structured career pathways, offering bursaries, vocational training and mentorship opportunities that bridge the gap between school and the workplace.
A report by the Centre for Development and Enterprise found that while university graduates have a higher employment rate, vocational training often leads to faster job placements, particularly in trade industries.
Education, employment and crime are not separate issues but unified challenges that require a united response. The government cannot fix these problems alone.
Corporate South Africa has the potential to drive real change. Whether through investing in education, creating sustainable jobs, or supporting crime prevention initiatives, businesses must see themselves as more than economic entities but as key players in shaping the country’s future.
By taking a collaborative approach, businesses can make a lasting contribution to improving education in South Africa — ultimately driving economic growth, reducing unemployment and build social development. Through collaboration and commitment, we can build a future where every South African has the opportunity to thrive.
• Keith Michael is the CEO of Lebone Litho Printers
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