Today, on Human Rights Day, let's turn our collective focus on the pressing socio-economic challenges faced by South African youth. In the shadow of youth unemployment and a declining formal job market, many find themselves trapped in the cycle of poverty, especially in rural and under-resourced areas. It's time to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and address the sense of hopelessness that has enveloped what could be the driving force of our nation, together.
Empowering our youth is about more than just creating businesses; it's about instilling hope, fostering innovation, and building a future where each individual contributes to the prosperity of their community. This begins with acknowledging the daunting realities they face – the shadows of unemployment and the weight of generational poverty. Beyond the creation of businesses, it's about unlocking hope.
At FURTHER, we recognise the need to redefine entrepreneurship – not just as a business endeavour, but as a way to break free from unemployment and generational poverty. Micro-enterprises and the informal economy emerge as unsung heroes, offering a pathway to economic activity and a chance to rewrite the story of an entire generation. We work with dozens of impact entrepreneurs and through their stories of resilience, innovation, and empowerment, we find our purpose.
