Mayor Morero Unveils Bold Youth Employment Strategy at Joburg Jobs Summit

At a time when nearly half of Gauteng’s young population remains unemployed, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero has issued a clear message: solving youth unemployment is not only urgent—it’s essential for the city’s future.

Speaking at the 2025 Future of Jobs Summit on Thursday at the DP World Wanderers in Melrose North, Morero laid out an ambitious plan aimed at reversing this trend. Hosted under South Africa’s G20 presidency, the summit was part of the T20 think tank initiative, drawing business leaders, policy makers, and global thinkers.

Youth at the Centre of Johannesburg’s Economy

“Johannesburg contributes significantly to the country’s R6.97 trillion GDP, yet we are sitting on a ticking time bomb of youth unemployment,” said Morero. “This is not just a social crisis—it is an economic emergency.”

With over 60% of Joburg’s five million residents under the age of 35, Morero stressed that youth unemployment undermines consumer spending, business sustainability, and investor confidence. His speech, titled “Empowering Johannesburg’s Youth: Building a Vibrant Future”, detailed a four-pillar strategy his administration is pursuing:

1. Digital Economy & 4IR Skills Development

A cornerstone of the plan is digital skills training. Through partnerships with the Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA), the city aims to upskill at least 10,000 young residents by 2026 in areas like coding, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

Morero highlighted the success of the Global Business Services Centre in Alexandra, where 90% of the workforce are young people. The goal is to create 2,000 tech-related jobs by 2026.

2. Green Economy & Infrastructure Investment

The mayor also pointed to the city’s R3.03 billion investment in underserved areas such as Diepsloot, Orange Farm, Zandspruit, and Eldorado Park. These projects will not only create immediate job opportunities but also lay down long-term economic infrastructure.

An additional R296 million has been allocated to electrification projects, with training programs in place to help young people learn how to install and maintain renewable energy systems.

3. Township Economy Activation

Morero emphasized the untapped potential in the township economy. Using the Joburg Market as an example—where R1 billion in produce is traded monthly—he revealed that 90% of procurement goes to commercial suppliers, leaving township entrepreneurs behind.

Redirecting even a portion of this value chain could significantly improve local livelihoods and keep wealth circulating in poor communities.

4. Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The city is working to nurture a local innovation ecosystem, enabling young entrepreneurs to thrive. This includes creating business hubs and streamlining access to financing and mentorship for startups.

National Integration and Business Partnership

Morero also underlined Johannesburg’s role in supporting national programs, such as the Presidential Support Package launched in March 2025. Coordinated through the city’s Service Delivery War Room, the package focuses on expanding access to services and fast-tracking employment initiatives.

He urged business leaders to view youth employment not as charity, but as smart economics: “Partner with us not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s good business in a city where young consumers make up the largest market segment.”

Mayor Morero’s message was clear: the youth unemployment crisis in Johannesburg demands coordinated action across all sectors. With plans rooted in innovation, infrastructure, and inclusion, the city is charting a course toward a more equitable and economically vibrant future.

{Source: IOL}

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