Johannesburg, South Africa – South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis remains one of the country’s biggest challenges, with the latest Stats SA data showing that 59.6% of young people (ages 15-24) are unemployed. While the government’s 2025 Budget Speech emphasised education spending, 76% of the education budget goes to salaries, leaving little for career guidance, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training.

In response to this urgent need, Envirocentral, a youth empowerment and education-focused organisation, developed the Mbewu Ya Katlego (MYK) programme. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between traditional education and real-world readiness, equipping high school students with career mentorship, financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and health education.

The first activation of MYK took place at Mpilisweni Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation on March 4, 2025, followed by a pilot activation at Leondale Secondary School on March 19, 2025. The programme is currently supported by All4Youth Sub-Saharan Africa, Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, SAPS, and various other partners that are in the process of onboarding but cannot yet be disclosed.

“South Africa’s youth are its most valuable resource, yet many leave school without the tools needed to succeed,” said Tshepo Nkopane, founder of Envirocentral. “We can’t afford to wait for change—MYK is about bringing practical, life-changing knowledge directly to students, right where they are.”

A Response to South Africa’s Youth Crisis

While education remains a national priority, the system alone is not enough to prepare students for the realities of the economy. The latest statistics paint a stark picture:

● Youth unemployment standing at 59.6% highlights that traditional pathways to employment are not working fast enough.

●  41.9% of South Africans are now classified under the expanded definition of unemployment, which includes those who have given up looking for jobs altogether.

●  Job growth is limited, with the finance and manufacturing sectors showing small gains, while trade and community services sectors are in decline—making it even harder for young people to find sustainable employment.

“The reality is, most students aren’t being prepared for life beyond school,” said Chama Tapson Projects Manager at All4Youth Sub-Saharan Africa. “To truly equip young people for success after matric, we need to go beyond academics and career guidance—we need to ensure they receive holistic psycho-social support. High school learners need access to mentorship, mental health resources, and life skills development to help them transition into the post-matric world as well-rounded individuals.”

Empowering Students Through Actionable Learning

Mbewu Ya Katlego (MYK) is delivering high-impact learning experiences, ensuring that students receive practical, real-world knowledge beyond the classroom.

The program includes:

●  Career Mentorship & Industry Exposure – Connecting students with professionals & real-world job opportunities.

●  Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy Training – Teaching young people how to create opportunities, not just search for them.

●  Health & Well-being Education – Covering mental health, safe sex and family planning, and making informed life choices.

●  Mindset & Leadership Development – Empowering students to take ownership of their futures.

“We don’t just need education—we need guidance,” said Matsediso Sekhonyane, a Grade 12 learner at Leondale Secondary School. “This program has opened my eyes to opportunities I never knew existed.”

Teachers and school leadership echoed the same sentiment.

“Our students are eager to learn about their future, but they don’t always have access to these kinds of conversations,” said Leondale Secondary School Principal, Filane Matla. “This initiative is exactly what they need to make informed choices.”

A Movement, Not Just an Event

MYK is not just a once-off activation—it is a movement to bring career and life skills education directly into schools across South Africa. With the right partnerships and sponsorships, this initiative can scale to reach thousands more students nationwide.

To ensure that MYK’s impact extends beyond the school visits, students engaged through the program receive free access to the LEFA Learning Platform—an award-nominated digital learning tool designed to support long-term education and skills development.

What is LEFA?

LEFA is an innovative learning platform that provides affordable, fun, and engaging learning experiences using a tutoring-based approach. As a 2024 FNB App of the Year Awards finalist, LEFA has gained recognition for its free Maths SWOT Analysis, helping students identify and improve on their academic strengths and weaknesses.

How does LEFA support MYK’s long-term sustainability?

By providing students with ongoing learning tools, engaging content, and access to social workers for educational and mental health support, LEFA ensures that the knowledge and skills gained through MYK continue to benefit students long after the activation is over.

“This is not just about tomorrow—it’s about taking action today. If we don’t invest in our youth now, we risk an entire generation being left behind,” said Tshepo Nkopane.

Envirocentral is calling on corporate sponsors, NGOs, and government partners to help expand MYK to more schools. To bring MYK to more students, we invite partnerships, sponsorships for activations, and support for youth entrepreneurship. By investing in these initiatives, we can create real economic opportunities and empower the next generation. As we face the challenge of youth unemployment, it’s clear that we cannot wait on the government alone to fix this pressing issue. The problem is too big, too urgent. We need to do better—for our youth, for our communities, and for a thriving South Africa. And we need to act now.

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to bring Mbewu Ya Katlego to your school, contact:

Amber Sambo – Envirocentral

About the author

Amber Sambo is a public relations and communications strategist passionate about youth empowerment and education. As the PR lead for Mbewu Ya Katlego (MYK), she plays a key role in amplifying the initiative’s impact, securing media coverage, and driving strategic partnerships. Through her consultancy, StrategiWorks, Amber helps purpose-driven brands craft compelling narratives, ensuring their messaging is clear, credible, and aligned with long-term impact.

About Envirocentral

Envirocentral is a youth empowerment and education-focused organisation dedicated to equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in the modern economy.

Through initiatives like Mbewu Ya Katlego (MYK), Envirocentral provides students with career mentorship, entrepreneurship training, and financial literacy education, bridging the gap between traditional schooling and real-world readiness. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the organisation aims to drive sustainable change and reduce youth unemployment in South Africa.