South Africa's youth face overlapping crises, Kolisi Foundation warns

Youth

The Kolisi Foundation was established by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.

Image: File pic.

SOUTH Africa's youth unemployment, food insecurity and gender-based violence crises are deeply interconnected and cannot be addressed in isolation, according to the Kolisi Foundation.

As the country marks Youth Month, the foundation has called for a more holistic approach to tackling inequality, arguing that young people often face multiple overlapping challenges that limit their opportunities and wellbeing.

According to Statistics South Africa's first-quarter 2026 labour force survey, the national unemployment rate stood at 32.7%, while unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 reached 60.9%. For those aged 25 to 34, the unemployment rate was 40.6%.

The foundation said these economic pressures are compounded by widespread food insecurity and persistent levels of gender-based violence.

Data from the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey found that 63.5% of South African households experience food insecurity, while recent South African Police Service crime statistics recorded 9,782 rape cases during the reporting period. Sexual assault cases increased by 4.2%, while attempted sexual offences rose from 656 to 669 cases.

Kolisi Foundation managing director Mahlatse Mashua said the challenges facing young people are often linked.

"In many communities, challenges are not experienced separately. The same child who comes from an unsafe or abusive home may also go to school hungry, without the stability, nourishment, or support needed to learn and thrive," Mashua said.

He said young people affected by trauma, instability and poverty often struggle to participate fully in education and later access employment opportunities.

"If we want to change the story of inequality, we need to understand the full context of a young person's life. That means responding in ways that recognise their overlapping needs, from safety and dignity to nutrition, education and opportunity," he said.

The foundation said it works through partnerships with community organisations focused on food security, education, youth development and support for survivors of gender-based violence.

One such initiative, the First Cup Initiative, implemented in partnership with Life & Brand Portfolio, currently provides breakfast to 3,431 schoolchildren each morning.

Mashua said addressing one aspect of a young person's life can often have positive effects across other areas.

"Real change happens when we work together and recognise that improving one aspect of a person's life often creates positive outcomes across many others," he said.

The foundation has urged businesses, communities and individuals to contribute towards programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable young people and addressing the root causes of inequality.

The Kolisi Foundation focuses on food security, education and sport, and gender-based violence prevention and response through partnerships with community-based organisations.