Pretoria: Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike has challenged South African businesses to open their doors to more young people and create meaningful pathways from education and training into employment. Delivering her keynote address at the recent 80th anniversary celebration of Aberdare Cables, Letsike emphasized the critical role industry plays in addressing youth unemployment and ensuring that South Africa's industrial development translates into opportunities for young people.
According to South African Government News Agency, Letsike highlighted the resilience and innovation demonstrated by Aberdare Cables over its 80-year history, noting its contribution to infrastructure, telecommunications, mining, and broader economic activity. Currently, Aberdare Cables operates manufacturing facilities in Pietermaritzburg, Gqeberha, and Gauteng, employing approximately 1,150 South Africans and supporting additional livelihoods through its suppliers and broader value chain. However, Letsike urged reflection on how young people can become central to South Africa's next chapter of industrialisation.
She stressed the importance of linking the future of South African industry with the future of the country's youth, emphasizing the need for skills development and infrastructure innovation. Letsike pointed out the existing gap between education and employment, urging government and industry to collaborate in bridging this divide. She called for more opportunities for graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, who possess skills essential for South Africa's industrialisation programme.
Letsike also encouraged businesses to enhance workplace-based learning, internships, apprenticeships, learnerships, and graduate placement opportunities. She urged companies to work with government and training institutions to address skills shortages driven by economic demands such as energy transition, digitalisation, automation, and advanced manufacturing.
The Deputy Minister highlighted initiatives like the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme and partnerships with organizations like Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, advocating for increased participation from manufacturing and infrastructure companies. She challenged businesses to provide meaningful workplace experience, even if permanent employment isn't immediately possible, asserting that young people seek opportunities to showcase their skills and potential.
Letsike pointed to government efforts to link skills development with emerging economic opportunities, citing a partnership with the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA). This initiative saw 22 young women from rural provinces receive training in India under the Solar Mamas programme, equipping them with skills in renewable energy design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
She emphasized the need to position young people, especially young women and persons with disabilities, in sectors expected to shape South Africa's economic future, including renewable energy, digital technology, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering, artificial intelligence, and automation. Letsike called for an industrial economy where women, youth, and persons with disabilities are central to production, innovation, leadership, and ownership.
Letsike congratulated Aberdare Cables on its anniversary, urging the company to define its next decades by the people and opportunities it helps build.