In 1998, Nelson Mandela said, “The future belongs to our youth.” That sentiment remains just as powerful today. However, as South Africa’s young people chart their path forward, they face more than just one challenge. From entering the job market to learning to manage their finances, today’s youth must navigate a complex, fast-changing world—often without a clear roadmap. To thrive in an ever‑changing world, they need practical tools, guidance and the knowledge to seek out and shape their own opportunities.
“Youth unemployment remains a serious concern,” acknowledges Sandi Richardson, HR Executive at RCS. “But the truth is, many young people are also grappling with limited financial literacy, access to quality education, and a lack of guidance on how to grow both personally and professionally. Our job is to support them on all these fronts, so they can take ownership of their futures.”
Overcoming Early Hurdles
1. Entry‑Level Job Opportunities in Retail and Call Centres
While the job market can be daunting, industries like retail and call/contact centres continue to offer starting points for young South Africans. These sectors offer flexible entry-level opportunities that often require little more than a matric certificate. Seasonal work, part-time jobs, and shifts that work around study schedules make these ideal stepping stones.
Importantly, these sectors can also become launchpads for long term success, as they offer young job seekers a chance to:
- Earn and learn: Gain hands‑on experience in customer service, sales and digital tools.
- Build transferable skills: Communication, problem solving and teamwork are prized across every industry.
- Build transferable skills: Many leaders began their careers on the shop floor or in a call centre seat.
“An RCS employee who began as a Telemarketing Agent recently joined a Data Science Practitioner Learnership through our partnership with the TSIBA Ignition Academy,” shares Richardson. “That’s the kind of trajectory we want to see more of.”
2. Mastering Financial Basics
Financial literacy is a cornerstone of long term success. Young people can put themselves ahead by:
- Budgeting simply: Track your income and expenses—whether in a notebook, spreadsheet or budgeting app—to see exactly where your money goes.
- Saving consistently: Start small, with even a few rands each week, and watch your emergency fund grow.
- Understanding credit: Learn why borrowing only what you can repay and reading the fine print matters.
RCS is committed to promoting financial literacy, offering resources and guidance to help individuals make informed decisions.
3. Continuous Learning and Skill Development
RCS’s partnership with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) has helped over 1 800 young people and women build digital literacy and personal development skills. Workshops like these teach:
- Effective communication: Presenting ideas clearly and listening actively.
- Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and adapting to new situations.
- Self‑advocacy: Pitching yourself confidently for roles, promotions or learnerships.
The world of work is constantly changing, demanding a commitment to lifelong learning. Whether through formal education, online courses, or practical experience, acquiring new skills, particularly in areas like digital literacy, problem solving, and effective communication, is vital for adaptability and career progression.
Three power moves you can make this Youth Month:
1. Try this quick hack when building your CV
If you have little to no working experience, spotlight ‘soft skills’ like willingness to learn or your ability to take initiative. You could also add in any teamwork experience you have (including sports and hobbies) as well as any volunteer work you’ve done. Volunteer work not only helps you develop valuable skills—like leadership, teamwork and problem solving—but also boosts your CV by showcasing your initiative and commitment to making a difference.
Websites like Resume-Now offer easy to use, free templates to build your CV.
2. Search online
Portals like Careers24, Pnet and JobMail are great sources of entry-level jobs such as store assistants, cashiers and customer service agents. Some of these portals even allow you to add a ‘no experience’ filter to narrow down your search.
3. Tap into your network
A social media platform like LinkedIn will help find and reach out to connections and people you may know in these industries. If someone you know can provide you with a referral or recommendation, that could simplify and fast track the process.
“One of the greatest rewards of our work is seeing how a single insight or opportunity can transform someone’s outlook,” Richardson adds. “RCS remains dedicated to being part of the solution. This Youth Day, let’s champion a holistic approach: supporting young people to find work, manage their money and cultivate the confidence they need to lead fulfilling lives.”
