Former international relations minister and Nelson Mandela Foundation board chair Naledi Pandor.
Image: ANA
South Africa’s education system must prepare young people for far more than simply finding jobs as the country grapples with deep youth unemployment, economic stagnation and growing pressure on graduates entering the labour market.
This is according to Regent Business School academic dean Dr Shahiem Patel, who was commenting on former international relations minister and Nelson Mandela Foundation board chair Naledi Pandor’s warning that South Africans must rise up.
Pandor said South Africans cannot remain passive in the face of political, social and developmental challenges as concern grows over weak economic growth, low business confidence and rising pressure on young people.
Speaking at a Critical Conversations event hosted by Regent Business School in Cape Town, Pandor called for a “groundswell of civic action” and greater accountability on issues requiring urgent attention.
The discussion, held under the theme Ethical Choices in Fragile Times: South Africa’s Role in Shaping Global Diplomacy, Development, and the Rising Global South, brought together business leaders, diplomats, academics, students and alumni.
“Dr Pandor’s address reminded us that education must do more than prepare graduates for employment. It must prepare people to think ethically, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to society, particularly in fragile and uncertain times,” Patel said.
The comments come as South Africa continues facing severe labour market pressure, particularly among young people.
Statistics South Africa data released earlier this month showed that for every young South African with a job, roughly 2.7 are either unemployed or outside the labour force entirely.
According to Statistics South Africa, the official unemployment rate increased to 32.7% during the first quarter of 2026, while the expanded unemployment rate, which includes discouraged work seekers, rose to 46.3%.
Statistics South Africa said there were approximately 10.3 million people aged between 15 and 24 in South Africa during the first quarter of 2026, with 37.6% classified as not in employment, education or training.
Recent labour market analysis by Statistics South Africa also showed that for every young South African with a job, roughly 2.7 are either unemployed or outside the labour force entirely.
Education levels continue to play a major role in employment outcomes.
According to Statistics South Africa, individuals without matric qualifications recorded an unemployment rate of 37.6% during the first quarter, compared with 12.2% among graduates.
The findings come amid broader concerns around economic growth, investment and business confidence. Pandor argued that global instability could not be separated from domestic realities and stressed the need for active civic participation and accountable leadership.
Previously, political economist Moeletsi Mbeki said business had emerged as South Africa’s most trusted institution, citing Edelman trust survey findings.
Mbeki argued that South African-owned businesses were uniquely positioned to support development because their owners had a vested interest in the country’s long-term stability and prosperity.
Bonang Mohale, Bidvest Group chairman and former University of the Free State chancellor, has also said that business remained South Africa’s “most organised” social partner and retained the ability to drive employment creation and large-scale projects.
However, Mohale also warned that business itself faced credibility challenges linked to corruption, state capture and transformation failures.
Analysis previously published by Investec Wealth & Investment International argued that stronger business confidence and economic reform could materially improve investment, employment and long-term growth outcomes in South Africa.
Investment strategist Osagyefo Mazwai had argued that South Africa’s economy could have been substantially larger had growth matched emerging market peers over the past decade.
Mazwai also referenced a 2019 statement by Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago that “restoring confidence is the cheapest form of stimulus”.
Regent Business School chief executive Professor Ahmed Shaikh said the Cape Town discussion reflected the seriousness of the challenges confronting both institutions and society.
“These are not abstract debates; they shape the moral direction of societies, the quality of our leadership and the responsibilities we carry in shaping a more just and accountable future,” Shaikh said.
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