Behind every CV sent and prospective interview, young South Africans face the crushing weight of depression, anxiety and hopelessness. Joblessness steals more than income. It chips away at self-worth, identity and hope.
“We work with thousands of young people each year, and behind the training and job-readiness programmes we see a deeper struggle — young people who are mentally and emotionally exhausted from trying to survive,” said Afrika Tikkun manager of planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning Nellie Zembe.
As South Africa marks Mental Health Awareness Week, organisations such as Afrika Tikkun and youth activists say there is more to youth unemployment than just not having a job.
With nearly 45.5% of South Africans aged 15-34 not in education, employment, or training, youth unemployment continues to be one of the country’s “most urgent and complex challenges”.
Afrika Tikkun’s focus groups and psychosocial support teams have uncovered a disturbing pattern: prolonged unemployment is leading to rising cases of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, unplanned pregnancies and even suicidal ideation among young people.
“Despite this, stigma around mental health remains a major barrier. Only 55% of young people we work with say they would speak openly about depression or anxiety. Many fear being judged or misunderstood and some only come forward when they’ve already reached breaking point,” said Zembe.
Struggling in silence has become an increasingly common reality for young people, according to Sello Moloi, Afrika Tikkun’s delivery lead for work readiness.
“Mental health is still highly stigmatised in many of the communities we work in, therefore the youth often suppress their emotions until they reach a breaking point. We’ve had cases where candidates drop out of training suddenly, only for our team to discover later that they were dealing with significant mental health struggles.”
“Anxiety tends to be high among those who are actively job hunting. The constant rejection or lack of response wears them down. Depression is especially common in those who’ve been unemployed long-term and begin to lose hope in their future.
“Suicidal ideation, while not widespread, has tragically shown up in a few cases, usually where the pressure to succeed and provide has become unbearable, especially when young people are caregivers or sole providers at home.
“These trends have strengthened our resolve to continue integrating psychosocial support into everything we do and to keep advocating for mental health awareness in our communities,” he said.
Corporates should take bold steps to invest in youth development not only through job creation, but also by funding holistic support services, including mental health. Internships and learnerships should include structured psychosocial support, mentorship and safe spaces for reflection and wellbeing.
— Sello Moloi from Afrika Tikkun’
Afrika Tikkun’s holistic approach includes 360° psychosocial support services that create safe spaces for young people to talk, heal and grow.
“Our training programmes are intentionally designed to include personal development components. These sessions equip candidates with practical tools to manage stress, build emotional resilience and develop a positive sense of self. By addressing mental wellbeing alongside skills development, we ensure that young people are not only prepared for the workplace but are also emotionally equipped to handle the challenges that come with job seeking and navigating life in under-resourced communities,” said Moloi.
Supporting the mental health of unemployed youth requires collaboration and long-term commitment across all sectors. “Government can play a leading role by expanding access to mental health services at community level and by embedding mental health education into schools,” said Moloi.
“Corporates should take bold steps to invest in youth development not only through job creation, but also by funding holistic support services, including mental health. Internships and learnerships should include structured psychosocial support, mentorship and safe spaces for reflection and wellbeing.”
He added that Afrika Tikkun had already done a great deal of work on the ground, but needs more sustainable partnerships and funding to scale these services.
“There should also be greater recognition that mental health is a foundational part of employability. During workers’ month, we should use our platforms to not only celebrate those in work but to shine a light on those who are still trying, especially young people who are doing the hard emotional and mental work of staying hopeful despite very real challenges,” he said.
Afrika Tikkun’s first-quarter report for 2025 showed that in the head start and work readiness streams, more than 3,000 specialised training opportunities were delivered, primarily in the ICT, hospitality and green economy sectors.
The placement programme showed promise in preparing young people for employment, with over 83% of candidates reporting improved workplace competencies.
The alumni and entrepreneurship programme demonstrated increased entrepreneurial activity among graduates.
“Behind every job seeker is a human being carrying hopes, responsibilities and often unspoken pain. If we want to unlock South Africa’s potential, we must invest in the mental wellbeing of our young people with the same energy we invest in their skills.”
“To the youth, you are not alone and your mental health matters. To the nation, let us build systems of support that heal, empower and restore dignity. A mentally healthy youth is the foundation of a thriving workforce and a stronger South Africa,” added Moloi. Unemployed People's Movement spokesperson Khokhoma Motsi told TimesLIVE Premium that South Africa's youth were “doomed”.
“At every corner, we see a young, unemployed person,” he said.
On Tuesday, Stats SA said there were signs that more people of working age were losing hope in finding work. Statistics showed black women and young people remained especially vulnerable to joblessness in the first quarter, with unemployment rates of 39.8% and 46.1%, respectively.
Motsi said the youth had completely lost hope.
“Some are resorting to drugs and even crime. They just cannot see a way out and this has a huge impact on their mental health, which also affects their families. Government must step in and do something,” he said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.