The Struggle Is Real. You’re a South African youth. You’ve got the hustle, the ambition, maybe even a qualification, but there’s just one problem: “Every job wants experience. But how do I get experience if nobody hires me?”
This is the number one challenge facing millions of unemployed South African youth. But here’s the good news: There are real ways to break through the cycle.
THE REALITY IN 2025
- Youth unemployment is over 45% (Stats SA)
- Most employers want 1–2 years of experience, even for entry-level jobs
- Internships, learnerships, and volunteer work are more valuable than ever
Here’s What You Can Do to Get a Job Right Now
- APPLY FOR LEARNERSHIPS AND INTERNSHIPS, EVEN IF UNPAID:
These are stepping stones, not dead ends. Programs from SETAs, NYDA, and private companies are designed for people with no experience.
- Popular Platforms: sayouth.mobi, pnet.co.za, indeed.com
Try searching: “Retail learnerships 2025 South Africa”, “IT internships no experience SA”, “NYDA job readiness training”
2. USE YOUR SMARTPHONE TO BUILD EXPERIENCE:
Create a simple LinkedIn profile, join free online courses (like on Coursera, Udemy, or Google Digital Skills Africa), and showcase your projects.
Examples:
- Built a website? Link it.
- Edited TikToks? That’s digital marketing experience.
- Helped someone’s small business? You’ve done customer service or admin.
3. JOIN THE SA YOUTH NETWORK:
SAYouth.mobi is a free, zero-rated platform that matches young people to jobs, training, and volunteer opportunities. You don’t need data to use it!
4. VOLUNTEER STRATEGICALLY:
Even two months of volunteering gives you:
- A reference
- Transferable skills (teamwork, communication)
- Something solid to put on your CV
Places to check:
- Churches or NGOs
- Local government campaigns
- Youth-run startups
5. FIX YOUR CV AND COVER LETTER:
Most job seekers get ignored because their CV is messy or too generic. You only need:
- A clear one-page CV
- A custom cover letter for each job
Need help? Download a free SA CV template [link to your CV post] or visit the NYDA offices for help.