“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.
Europe’s used electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing a notable surge as the Iran conflict drives up global oil prices and pushes petrol costs sharply higher across the continent.
Geely Auto has been recognised in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 (Global), marking a significant milestone for the brand’s global sustainability efforts and the first and only Chinese vehicle manufacturer to make the list.
Volkswagen Motorsport driver Jonathan Mogotsi has earned his Nürburgring Permit A ‘Ring Licence’ to qualify to race in the legendary circuit’s 24-Hour from 18 – 19 May 2026.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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Geely Auto has been recognised in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 (Global), marking a significant milestone for the brand’s global sustainability efforts and the first and only Chinese vehicle manufacturer to make the list.
Volkswagen Motorsport driver Jonathan Mogotsi has earned his Nürburgring Permit A ‘Ring Licence’ to qualify to race in the legendary circuit’s 24-Hour from 18 – 19 May 2026.
While the decision to keep the repo rate unchanged offers a degree of short-term stability, if current global events continue for the long term, the prospects for a prolonged high-interest rate environment will place significant pressure on consumer affordability and, in turn, vehicle retail activity.
