South Africa’s youth unemployment rate crisis is a concerning issue, with recent data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) indicating that approximately 24% of tertiary graduates are unemployed. This paints a bleak picture of the future for our talented youth, and it needs innovative solutions that can simultaneously address unemployment and other challenges.
A promising avenue lies within the sector of electronic waste (e-waste) management. While the increasing consumption of electronic devices contributes to a growing figure of e-waste, which is estimated at over 520,000 tons annually in South Africa, this challenge also presents an opportunity for job creation and economic development.
EWaste Africa: A Local Leader in Green Job Creation
As a part of our vision and target, EWaste Africa is dedicated to driving innovation and growth while addressing some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges. The organisation’s job creation initiative aims to contribute to reducing unemployment among graduates by providing opportunities in the e-waste sector. With 24% of tertiary graduates currently unemployed, Ewaste Africa’s initiative can help bridge the gap by:
- Creating job opportunities: EWaste Africa’s operations require a wide range of skilled professionals that young graduates can fill. This includes roles in logistics, supply chain, engineering, environmental science, business development, sales and administration. EWaste Africa offers entry-level opportunities to young graduates in these fields as part of our job creation target.
- Skills development and expertise: EWaste Africa participates in internship and training programs that can equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the e-waste sector, which will increase their employability and employment opportunities.
- Fostering entrepreneurship: EWaste Africa seeks to encourage entrepreneurship amongst young graduates. As the e-waste sector grows, opportunities can be created for young people to start their own businesses in e-waste collection, specialised dismantling services or the development of innovative recycling opportunities. EWaste Africa can support young graduates with the necessary knowledge, training and mentorship to start their own e-waste recycling businesses, which will create more jobs and contribute to economic growth.
EWaste Africa showcased its pioneering spirit and ability to create employment opportunities by establishing Africa’s first lightbulb recycling plant in 2014, expanding into various e-waste streams and establishing three e-waste management facilities within South Africa. Through our various initiatives, EWaste Africa seeks to create employment opportunities for graduates, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.
In conclusion, EWaste Africa’s focus on job creation within the e-waste sector can help reduce the high graduate unemployment rate by providing skilled job opportunities, fostering skills development in a growing green industry and contributing to a broader economic activity. While our individual impact is a part of a larger solution, it also exemplifies the potential of innovative and environmentally conscious businesses to address South Africa’s pressing unemployment crisis.
Unemployment worsens: 24% of young university graduates now jobless” Published on News24 – 13 May 2025. Read the full article here: https://www.news24.com/business/economy/unemployment-worsens-24-of-young-university-graduates-now-jobless-20250513-0667
