Exploration of skills development programmes contributing towards youth employment: A case study of the Waves of Change and Not in Education, Employment, or Training Programmes in Cape Town, South Africa

Mahamba-Sithole, Langalakhe

Exploration of skills development programmes contributing towards youth employment: A case study of the Waves of Change and Not in Education, Employment, or Training Programmes in Cape Town, South Africa

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Social Development

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

South Africa has been affected by a youth unemployment crisis, with many young people struggling to enter the workforce. Non-governmental organisations and civil society have created initiatives to provide youth with life skills and work readiness training. This study sought to explore skills development interventions targeting youth employment by conducting a case study of the Waves of Change and NEETs programmes in Cape Town. This study was based on a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research design, and therefore, interviews were conducted with twelve programme graduates who participated in the past three years. The study's key findings revealed that the programmes made young people more employable. However, their graduates needed to take personal responsibility to complete the programmes and find work. The classes and activities run by the programmes worked to improve the interpersonal skills and professionalism of the participants. The interactions with the facilitators and the services provided by the programmes were also vital for making the participants more employable. Barriers to employment were noted to include the lack of work experience, documentation, and certification requirements, as well as the locations of the companies. The key recommendations are that the government allocates resources to running similar youth skills development programmes across South Africa. In addition, the government should incentivise companies to run internships and trainee programs so that young people can acquire experience. Further research should explore company recruiters' perceptions of unemployed youth and requirements for job seekers.

Keywords

youth unemployment

organisations

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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