INSIDE YOUR BUSINESS: Matric Success vs the Jobs Reality: Why the economy is struggling to absorb young talent

Loading player...
GUEST - Nkosinathi Mahlangu, Momentum Group's Youth Employment Specialist

South Africa is celebrating a record-breaking 88% matric pass rate from the largest class in the country’s history – a moment of pride for learners, teachers and families. But for many in the Class of 2025, passing matric is not the end of the journey, it’s the beginning of a far more uncertain one. With youth unemployment still at crisis levels and limited opportunities for first-time job seekers, thousands of young people risk falling into the NEET category – not in education, employment or training.

In this edition of Inside Your Business, Nkosinathi Mahlangu from Momentum Group unpacks the tough transition from school to the world of work. We explore why tertiary education remains out of reach for many, why the economy is struggling to absorb young talent, and what alternative pathways – from TVET colleges and apprenticeships to entrepreneurship – could offer real hope.
14 Jan 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Lesaka Turns Profitable: FY2026 Milestone Explained

Lesaka Technologies has delivered a landmark FY2026 performance — meeting or exceeding every guidance metric, surpassing the top end of its Adjusted EPS range, and achieving full‑year net profitability for the first time since its 2022 rebrand. Net Revenue rose 20%, Adjusted EBITDA climbed 41%, and Adjusted Earnings surged 229%…
10 Sep 1PM 14 min

FirstRand Delivers Record Dividend Despite UK Provision Hit

FirstRand has posted a resilient full‑year performance for June 2026, delivering the highest dividend payout in its history despite a sizeable UK motor commission provision. Underlying operations remain strong: FNB and RMB posted double‑digit profit growth, continuing operations delivered 13% earnings growth, and ROE reached 24.9%. CEO Mary Vilakazi explains…
10 Sep 1PM 14 min

New Business Surges as Sanlam Stays on 2026 Track

Sanlam has released its interim results for 2026, revealing strong underlying momentum beneath severe weather‑related claims and softer shareholder investment returns. New business climbed 22% to R224 billion, net client cash flows surged 64% to R78 billion, and core earnings held steady despite large loss events across South Africa and…
10 Sep 12PM 18 min

ACSA Delivers Double‑Digit Revenue Growth as Travel rebounds

Airports Company South Africa reported 11.6% revenue growth in FY2025/26, driven by rising passenger volumes, improved trading conditions and a strong diversification strategy. ACSA’s CFO Luzuko Mbotya joins Kaya Biz to unpack the financial performance, cost management, infrastructure investment, and the shift toward airports as economic, digital and energy hubs…
9 Sep 1PM 13 min

Tax‑Free Wealth: The Power of TFSAs & ETFs

Many South Africans believe investing requires large sums — but time, consistency and tax‑free compounding matter far more. ETFSA’s Wendy Hlatshwayo explains how Tax‑Free Savings Accounts work, why ETFs are ideal inside them, and how ordinary earners can build long‑term wealth through simple, diversified investing. A practical, jargon‑free guide to…
9 Sep 1PM 16 min