“South Africa’s youth are talented, hungry to learn and eager to work, but they need the opportunity to gain real-world skills that translate into jobs,” says Thembinkosi Pantsi, Vice-Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA).
“We cannot afford to continue losing this potential to unemployment. The time to act is now.”
He said this in reaction to the latest unemployment figures, which reveal a deepening jobs crisis and makes partnerships between the education and private sectors no longer a nice-to-have. They are essential to South Africa’s future.
According to Statistics South Africa’s Q1 2025 Labour Force Survey, the official unemployment rate has risen to 32.9%, while the expanded definition of unemployment, which includes discouraged job seekers, now sits at a staggering 43.1%.
The youth are bearing the brunt of this crisis. Among young South Africans aged 15–24, 59.4% are unemployed — the highest of any age group. These sobering statistics highlight the urgency of meaningful workplace exposure for learners and graduates.
One of the most impactful ways to combat youth unemployment is through structured work-based learning. Internships and learnerships, particularly those linked to TVET colleges, offer students exposure to real working environments – something that a classroom alone cannot deliver.
NADA and its members have been active supporters of these initiatives, with many franchised dealers already partnering with educational institutions to host students, offer mentorship and provide job placements. However, Thembinkosi says this needs to happen on a much larger scale.
“The automotive sector – especially franchised dealers – are uniquely positioned to absorb learners, mentor them and develop the kind of skills that are in short supply across the country,” he adds.
NADA is calling on automotive employers, education authorities and policymakers to ramp up support for workplace learning models, which include expanding funding for stipends, streamlining partnerships between colleges and dealerships and recognising employers that meaningfully contribute to skills development.
“Dealerships that invest in learnerships and mentorship are not just fulfilling a social mandate; they’re investing in the future of their own businesses. Technicians, service advisors, parts specialists and salespeople all require practical, hands-on experience to thrive,” he says.
In a country where almost 6 out of 10 youngsters are unemployed, every opportunity to gain experience matters. It’s time to connect the dots between education and employment and drive real change from the ground up, NADA states.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles is back in South African, so let us take a look with what model line-up the Indian manufacturer will kick-off at its 40 dealerships expanding to 60 by 2026 in South Africa.
“Ongoing partnership highlights value of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates and the dealership environment in building sustainable automotive careers.”
The Automotive Business Council (naamsa) recently submitted its quarterly review of business conditions for the South African motor vehicle manufacturing industry, during the second quarter of 2025, to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTCI).
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The Automotive Business Council (naamsa) recently submitted its quarterly review of business conditions for the South African motor vehicle manufacturing industry, during the second quarter of 2025, to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTCI).
Africa's automotive sector is experiencing a significant transformation, with Morocco emerging as a rising star while traditional leader, South Africa, faces mounting challenges.
After an absence if six years, Tata passenger vehicles are back with a bang in South Africa. The last model launched locally was the Bolt, which followed in the tracks of the more well-known Indica.
