Wednesday, 2 September 2026

South Africa’s youth unemployment reached 45.8% in the first quarter of 2026, prompting a focus on recycling, waste management and other community problems as potential businesses.

Postmasburg entrepreneur Riya Le Bocha Stander said her waste venture began by approaching local businesses, but limited space, funding and the volume needed for profitability remain major obstacles.

Temba Lamini argued that transformation and competence must work together, warning that municipalities spent R1.6 billion on consultants while staff struggled to prepare accurate financial statements.

Lamini proposed identifying aptitude from Grade 4, creating accelerated pathways reaching rural and township schools, and enforcing Section 195’s requirements for ability, fairness and objectivity.

Women hold about 44% of parliamentary seats but only 27% of executive-management roles at major listed companies, with unpaid care work and bias narrowing the leadership pipeline.