Publication: True Love
Author: Ntombi Khulu
Photo: Getty Images
The results are out, the celebrations have dimmed and for thousands of matriculants, the silence of 'what's next?' is starting to feel heavy.
Not everyone get the opportunity to head straight into tertiary education or find a job, especially with South Africa's skyrocketing youth employment rate. Whether it's financial hurdles, rejection letters for first-choice universities, or simply the paralysing uncertainty of being 18 - finally a legal adult - with no roadmap, the uncertainty creates fear for everyone involved.
If your teen is feeling lost about their future, you're not alone. Many families face this crossroads, and the pressure can feel insurmountable. But we have all the expert insight you and your teen need to keep calm and carry on.
Understand that the mental health struggle is real
Post-matric uncertainty is often about feeling overwhelmed by endless possibilities whilst lacking practical expierence - not just career indecision.
Aditi Lachman, the head of youth programmes at the Youth Employment Service (YES), gives TRUELOVE some insight into their young minds.
"Many young people experience mental health challenges while navigating unemployment and job searching, yet do not seek support. Building a support system and talking to trusted people - friends, family, mentors - helps reduce isolation and builds resilience."
Aditi urges young people to ask for help early from school counsellors, community clinics, NGOs or faith-based support systems, "as mental wellbeing has a direct impact on families, communities and a young person's ability to keep moving forward.
Nwabisa Tefu, a registered counsellor at the South African College of Applied Psychology's (SACAP) Durban campus, adds that the feeling of being "stuck" can quickly spiral into hopelessness.
She offers advicxe to help parents alleviate the pressure their teens are already feeling, especially from peers who seem to have it all figured out.
"Parents should reduce pressure on their children by reassuring them that uncertainty is normal and that their worth is not defined by university admission," Nwabisa says.
"It is important that during their uncertain time, they offer emotional safety, try to help with small practical steps to help their children put systems in place that will help them improve, gain skills that will position them better and approach the journey as a shared one while still creating space for autonomous decision making."
How to help your teen find their interests
Much anxiety stems from the belief that one should know their passion early, but Nwabisa begs to differ.
She challenges post-matriculants to ask themselves, "What can i tolerate doing repeatedly? What problems do I like solving? Do i prefer people, data or hands-on work?"
Praneetha Jugdeo, an education and leadership strategist currently serving as head of campus at SACAP Durban, urges learners to pause, regulate emotionally, and take intentional action.
"There is no single formula for success anymore. The future belongs to learners who are adaptable, curious, and willing to build skills over time. Progress is not about rushing, it's about moving forward with intention. - Praneetha Jugdeo, SACAP Durban's head of campus
"Young people do not need full certainty about their future; they need curiosity and exploration. Identifying emerging fields starts with exposure, reading, attending webinars, watching short online content, and speaking to people already working in those industries."
Aditi mentions emerging fields like "Digital admin, early childhood development - so speak to the creche in your local community to see if they need assistance. Data capturing and online customer support logistics and warehousing, to name a few."
Practical ways youth can build skills
Teens shouldn't feel pressured to enter university if they don't feel ready.
Tertiary education is just one pathway, but not the only meaningful route to employment, Aditi explains.
"Research shows that employers value relevant work experience, education and skills above all else," Aditi explains.
"Young people should consider skills development programmes, internships, learnerships, entrepreneurship and entry-level work opportunities that allow them to gain experience while building relevant skills. What matters most is saying active in building employability rather than remaining idle," she adds.
These experts encourage teens to build their skills through free online short courses on platforms such as Udemy and LinkedIn, as well as through job shadowing and volunteering.
Nwabisa urges post-matriculants to "Say yes to entry-level exposure such as call centres, retail, hospitality, cleaning and security, etc. These teach work discipline, customer interaction and reliability. These are all transferable skills and better than having no experience at all."