Opinion article by Dr Vongai Sarah Ruzungunde, Subject Head and Lecturer, Department of Industrial Psychology, University of the Free State 

As South Africa celebrates Youth Month this June, we honour the 1976 Soweto Uprising and the youth who demanded a brighter future. Today that future is threatened by persistent high unemployment. Millions of young South Africans, especially those aged 16-20, are NEET, i.e., not in employment, education, or training. They face limited qualifications, weak networks, family pressures, and transport challenges, despite being tech-savvy, resilient, and entrepreneurial.

During a recent visit to Ignite SA Qwaqwa, I participated in a training session with youth mentors. Ignite SA is a small NPO established by two American missionaries and a large group of South African nationals that is focused on bringing education to the next generation, spiritual leaders, and those at risk in South Africa, while modelling the love of Jesus. Their work includes educating learners in character, purpose, language and life skills, HIV/AIDS education, critical thinking and leadership development. They offer mentoring and counselling for learners and educators. They also educate on the sanctity of human life, job skills and family leadership through support groups for women, men and couples. Recently, they expanded to include mentoring and supporting unemployed youth. The experience reinforced a powerful truth: investing in mentorship is one of the most effective ways to tackle youth unemployment.

Youth mentors play a critical role because they offer personal connection, consistent guidance, and genuine belief in a young person’s potential. In a country plagued by skills mismatch and discouragement, mentors serve as bridges between unemployed youth and real opportunities. They help young people to see beyond their obstacles and recognise their strengths.

Effective mentorship

Effective mentorship begins with practical support. Mentors can guide youth through a simple five-step career framework: self-assessment of strengths and interests, exploration of suitable pathways such as TVET colleges, learnerships, trades, or entrepreneurship, development of essential skills like communication, digital literacy, and problem-solving, goal-setting, and connecting to actual resources.

Practical tools make mentorship even more impactful. Mentors can teach youth to write clean, achievement-focused CVs that highlight school, sports, volunteering, and side hustles, even without formal experience. They can role-play interviews, emphasising professional etiquette, appearance, and body language. By introducing free resources such as SAYouth.mobi, NYDA, YES Programme, SETAs, Google Career Certificates, IkamvaYouth, and Chrysalis Academy, mentors help youth access learnerships, training, and green jobs in high-demand areas like digital skills, renewable energy, healthcare, and trades.

Equally important is supporting the mentors themselves. Mentoring discouraged youth can be emotionally draining. The session I attended emphasised self-care and burnout prevention which are key principles for sustainable effect. Mentors who look after their own well-being can remain consistent, encouraging, and effective over time.

In my opinion, South Africa needs to place far greater focus on youth mentorship programmes. While statistics paint a bleak picture, the willingness of ordinary citizens to step forward as mentors restores hope. These mentors prove that compassion is still alive in our society. Unlike impersonal policies, mentorship builds trust, celebrates small wins, listens first, and guides without dictating. One dedicated mentor can rebuild confidence, open doors, and change the trajectory of a young life.

Youth Month should champion solutions

Youth Month should not only highlight problems but champion solutions. We must actively support and train more youth mentors. Corporates, professionals, universities, and communities should partner with such initiatives. By equipping mentors with practical tools and protecting their well-being, we create a powerful multiplier effect; one mentor helping many young people.

The mentors I met reminded me that change is possible when willing hearts meet practical skills. Focusing on mentorship is not just charity; it is a strategic investment in South Africa’s future. If we commit to this approach, we can turn youth unemployment statistics into stories of empowered young people, one guided CV, one SMART goal, and one transformed life at a time.