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Why South Africa Must Invest in Soft Skills for Our Youth
In a world increasingly shaped by the rapid advancement of technology, social dynamics, and economic transformations, the question of whether South Africa is adequately preparing its young people to face both present-day challenges and future uncertainties becomes ever more pressing. The youth of today, hailed as the leaders of tomorrow, are confronted with numerous complex issues that can undermine their potential.
From the surge in mental health crises, gender-based violence (GBV), and unemployment to the disruptions caused by the digital divide and climate change, the future appears both daunting and full of opportunity. However, what remains certain is that our young people cannot overcome these challenges without one essential set of tools: soft skills.
The Crisis of South Africa’s Youth: A Deepening Struggle
South Africa’s youth, whether they are still in school, undergoing post-school education and training, or have dropped out of the education system altogether, face an array of pressing concerns. Gender-based violence, mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, HIV, unplanned pregnancies, and digital exclusion represent some of the most serious threats to their well-being and future prospects. These issues do not exist in isolation but are deeply interwoven with the absence of soft skills—such as resilience, emotional intelligence, and leadership—that are critical to navigating life’s challenges and succeeding in the modern workplace.
Soft skills go far beyond basic academic knowledge; they represent the core qualities that enable individuals to interact effectively with others, think critically, manage stress, and adapt to change. The absence of these skills in our youth contributes significantly to the rise in unemployment, poor mental health, and social instability.
The Importance of Soft Skills in the Modern World
In today’s rapidly changing world, soft skills are indispensable for success. According to multiple studies, approximately 85% of job success is attributed to soft skills, with the remaining 15% stemming from technical knowledge and hard skills. What this means is that regardless of how technically proficient a person may be, their ability to thrive in the workplace depends largely on their attitude, emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability, and interpersonal skills.
Employers across the globe have recognized this fact, and increasingly, they are looking for employees who can not only perform specific technical tasks but also contribute to the broader culture of the workplace. It’s no longer just about the technical aspects of a job; it’s about the person behind the skills. Soft skills are what allow employees to work in teams, lead projects, solve problems creatively, handle stress, and adapt to new situations. Therefore, any meaningful effort to prepare South Africa’s youth for the future must incorporate the cultivation of these vital skills.
Higher Health’s Pioneering Initiative: The Civic and Soft Skills Programme
Recognizing the need to equip young South Africans with the tools to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, Higher Health has launched the Civic and Soft Skills NQF Level 5 QCTO qualification. Developed in collaboration with UNESCO, this is Africa’s first-ever qualification of its kind, designed to provide youth with the essential soft skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
This groundbreaking program focuses on the development of critical competencies such as resilience, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, empathy, teamwork, leadership, time management, goal setting, conflict resolution, and entrepreneurship. These are the very qualities that employers across the world regard as indispensable for success. Furthermore, the program also emphasizes civic values and the importance of being an engaged, responsible citizen in a democratic society.
The curriculum is structured to ensure that young South Africans are not only ready for the workplace but also equipped with the emotional and psychological tools to lead fulfilling, productive lives. In today’s world, a strong emotional foundation is just as important as technical expertise. This qualification seeks to balance both.
The Critical Role of Soft Skills in Combatting South Africa’s Challenges
South Africa’s youth face an array of challenges, many of which are compounded by a lack of soft skills. For instance, mental health issues among young people are on the rise, with 1 in 4 young individuals in post-school education and training grappling with mental health challenges. These problems often go hand in hand with the pervasive issue of gender-based violence.
Research indicates that 1 in 3 South African women, before the age of 21, will experience physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence. These two crises—mental health and GBV—are often interlinked: untreated mental health issues can make individuals more vulnerable to becoming victims of GBV, while those who experience GBV may also struggle with mental health problems. Both require systemic interventions that go beyond technical education to include the development of coping skills, resilience, emotional regulation, and positive interpersonal communication.
Substance abuse is another pervasive issue in South Africa, with 65% of GBV cases linked to drug and alcohol use. Many young people struggling with addiction are also less equipped to deal with the stress, anger, and interpersonal conflict that can arise in difficult situations. Soft skills, such as conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and self-regulation, can help prevent the escalation of such issues, enabling young individuals to better manage their emotions and make healthier choices.
In addition, unplanned pregnancies among young women, coupled with the lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, further complicate the social and economic futures of young people. Soft skills, including communication, goal-setting, and personal responsibility, are essential tools for preventing such outcomes and ensuring that young people have the capacity to make informed decisions about their lives.
Disability inclusion, another key issue, demands attention as well. According to Statistics South Africa, 5.5% of the population comprises persons with disabilities, yet many of them are excluded from the workforce due to a lack of appropriate skills development and accommodations. Soft skills training can ensure that these individuals are given the support they need to succeed and integrate fully into society.
Moreover, the growing emphasis on climate change and environmental responsibility offers both a challenge and an opportunity. The emergence of the green economy, including the hydrogen and blue economies, requires a new generation of workers who are not only technically skilled but also capable of thinking creatively, leading with empathy, and driving change. Soft skills, including leadership, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship, will be vital in enabling young South Africans to tap into these new opportunities.
Why Civic Education and Engagement Are Critical for Democracy
One of the key reasons why soft skills training is so essential in South Africa is its impact on civic engagement and the health of our democracy. As our country continues to evolve politically and socially, it is crucial that young people are not only prepared for the workforce but also for active, responsible citizenship.
Civic education has the power to strengthen democracy by encouraging young people to engage in the political process, understand their rights and responsibilities, and contribute to the betterment of society. Unfortunately, many young South Africans have become disillusioned with the political system, with voter turnout rates among young people being alarmingly low. This disengagement undermines the democratic process and weakens the very foundation of our society.
By embedding soft skills and civic values in the educational system, we can help foster a generation of young people who are not only employable but also informed, active, and engaged citizens. It is essential that we instill values such as respect for the Constitution, peer leadership, patriotism, volunteerism, and an understanding of the importance of voting and participating in democratic processes.
The Power of Digital Literacy in the Modern World
In today’s digital age, it is impossible to ignore the critical importance of digital literacy. As technology continues to reshape every aspect of our lives, the ability to navigate the digital world becomes a non-negotiable skill. Unfortunately, many young South Africans remain digitally excluded, particularly in rural and under-resourced communities.
The Higher Health Civic and Soft Skills Programme addresses this gap by offering a blended learning model accessible via mobile phone, tablet, or computer. This makes the program available to young people across the country, including those in rural areas, and ensures that no one is left behind in the digital era. By equipping young people with digital literacy, as well as the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), we are preparing them to succeed in the global digital economy and ensuring they have the skills to navigate this new frontier.
The Way Forward: Empowering the Next Generation
As we look ahead to the future, it is clear that the key to unlocking South Africa’s potential lies in the empowerment of its youth. Soft skills are not a luxury; they are a necessity. We must invest in training young people to be resilient, adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and capable of leading change. With the right tools, South Africa’s youth can rise to the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
Higher Health’s Civic and Soft Skills programme is a step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning. The skills qualification is open to any young South African with a Grade 9 equivalent to NQF L1, and the program is already making a tangible impact, with over 5,000 young people having graduated. As the program continues to scale, it has the potential to reach up to 250,000 young South Africans, ensuring that they are not just survivors, but thriving, active citizens.
We must act now. The youth of South Africa are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today. By prioritizing soft skills training, we are investing in a brighter, more prosperous future for our country, where every young person has the tools to succeed and make a meaningful contribution to society.
External Resources:
- UNESCO’s Soft Skills and Competencies for Youth
- World Health Organization: Mental Health and Youth
- South African Government: National Youth Policy 2020–2030
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