THE FUSE

South Africa’s youth (15 to 34 years) remain vulnerable in the labour market. The Stats SA Quarterly Labour Report for the second quarter of 2025 shows that the total number of unemployed youth is at 4,9 million, and the youth unemployment rate sits at 46,1%. Furthermore, the UNDP South Africa (National Human Development Report 2022: Harnessing the Employability of South Africa’s Youth) identified the digital economy as a viable hub for job creation and recommended that South Africa leverages its opportunities by empowering youth for the new world of work. It is within this context that Old Mutual concluded its Platinum Sponsorship with Innovate Durban for the 2025 Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) in November. Through this partnership, 68 youth from KwaZulu-Natal participated, 12 prototypes were developed, and three winning solutions were funded.