The role of public-private partnerships in promoting youth economic empowerment in South Africa

Abstract

This study investigated the role of public-private partnerships, with a particular focus on the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, in promoting youth economic empowerment in South Africa. It delineates the significant challenges associated with youth unemployment and reveals the stark reality in which a considerable segment of the youth demographic encounters various barriers, including lack of experience, educational discrepancies, and economic instability. This research highlights the transformative potential of the YES programme and emphasises its alignment with both local and international development objectives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Thematic analysis of data collected from interviews with current participants and alumni of the YES programme indicates that while the programme effectively enhances employability through skills development and work experience, it also confronts challenges arising from inadequate resource allocation, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the need for improved institutional coordination. Recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of the YES programme, including the facilitation of greater post-employment support, enhancing awareness of the programme among young people, and promoting entrepreneurial initiatives. This study contributes to the discourse on solutions to youth unemployment by illustrating how structured collaborations between the public and private sectors can create sustainable pathways for youth economic engagement.