Some young people in N’wamitwa area outside Tzaneen in Limpopo have urged government to ensure its commitments result in tangible opportunities and jobs.
They say unemployment, teenage pregnancy and limited economic opportunities continue to affect the youth.
Their concerns come after Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba outlined government’s plans to address challenges facing young people during the Provincial Youth Day celebrations held at Vasasele Primary School. Attendee Tarrant Mkhawana calls for greater efforts to tackle issues that they face, while expanding employment opportunities.
Mkhawana says, “The government should ensure that they initiate their plans in terms of helping young people. This would also help other young people to further their studies. They should create jobs and economic opportunities for youth. Premier’s speech at least addressed some of the issues that we are faced with.”
Ramathuba says the provincial government has created more than 500 job opportunities as part of efforts to address youth unemployment.
The province’s unemployment rate increased from 28.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 31.7% in the first quarter of 2026.
Ramathuba has also announced plans to establish a mining academy in the Sekhukhune District to equip young people with industry-related skills.
Ramathuba says, “Young people, let’s go and be re-skilled so that we can get these jobs. Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, they are saying they have already employed 590 people of those they have made sure that 350 are young people and they are still going to be appointing another group of young people this coming financial year, because by end of July, they are promising me that 238 employees will be hired.”
Video| Youth Day | Premier Ramathuba to lead commemorations in Limpopo
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