Mashatile confident govt programmes will double youth employment

Deputy President Paul Mashatile speaking in Cape Town at the round table for the Presidential Youth Engagement.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says he is optimistic that over the next three years, government programmes targeting youth unemployment will double the number of employed young people.

Mashatile was speaking in Cape Town at the roundtable for the Presidential Youth Engagement.

He says President Cyril Ramaphosa has already created programmes targeting youth unemployment, such as the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and Presidential Employment Stimulus.

Mashatile says the government is heightening programmes aimed at tackling youth unemployment.

“Unemployment is quite high in the country, but even high amongst young people. That’s really our biggest concern. So, the president has agreed that these programme that I am talking about are not going to be once off. These are programmes that are going to continue into the future funded programmes. These programmes are funded, will be funded. So, we are hoping that over the next three years we will probably double if not triple a number of young people that are going to be assisted with the presidential interventions,” says Mashatile.

“I am here with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Mayor of Cape Town, Councillors, Officials from all spheres of government not only to share with you what we as government are doing but to plan with you the future of our country.”

Opening remarks by Deputy President @PMashatile on… pic.twitter.com/Hm5yTc36m1

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) February 10, 2026