On 16 June 1976, young South Africans fought for a future where their potential would not be suppressed. Today, our young people are fighting a different kind of battle — one for their potential, their dignity and their right to hope. (Photo: Jan Hamman\Media24 Archives) 
As South Africa commemorates Youth Day on 16 June, our thoughts rightly turn to the brave young people of 1976 who rose against an oppressive system, demanding a future of dignity, opportunity and self-determination. Their courage helped lay the foundation for the democratic country we live in today.
Yet as we reflect on their legacy, a new and equally unjust battle rages, silently wearing down the spirit and potential of a generation: the devastating impact of chronic youth unemployment on mental health.
In South Africa, the staggering youth unemployment rate is more than just an economic statistic; it is a silent, sinister epidemic carving deep, invisible scars into the mental wellbeing of a generation.
While headlines often focus on the economic implications of joblessness, we must confront the profound psychological toll it takes on young people.
The statistics are stark, almost numbingly so. South Africa consistently grapples with one of the highest youth unemployment rates globally, with more than 60% of young people aged 15-24 unable to find work — a sharp 10% increase from a decade ago.
Behind these “statistics” lie millions of stories of deferred dreams, unfulfilled potential and, increasingly, profound psychological distress.
This is not merely an economic crisis; it is a growing mental health emergency that threatens to undermine the gains of 1994.
Imagine a young graduate, diploma in hand, bursting with aspirations and proud of themself for their hard work and dedication. They have navigated the challenges of SA’s education system — often overcoming significant personal and familial challenges — driven by the promise that hard work will pay off and lead to opportunity.
Yet, when they step into the job market, instead of a launchpad, they find themselves stepping into a void. They encounter a relentless wall of rejection and silence. Each unanswered email, every job application without an interview invitation, every failed interview, and the crushing silence that follows chips away piece by piece at their self-worth.
This journey from hopeful graduate or ambitious school-leaver to disappointed jobseeker is often brutal and relentless. It’s not just about financial hardship; it is a destruction of identity, the loss of potential, and a direct assault on mental health.
Young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who have already overcome immense adversity, find themselves battling feelings of inadequacy, shame and guilt. They internalise the message that they are not good enough, despite their qualifications, skills, tenacity and eagerness to work.
Hopelessness
The weight of societal expectation coupled with the stark reality of sustained unemployment engenders hopelessness. We see rising rates of anxiety, depression and a pervasive sense of hopelessness among our young people.
The very individuals who should be driving innovation and contributing to our nation’s growth and development are instead battling a profound feeling of being unwanted, unneeded and, ultimately, unable to fulfil their purpose.
This despair can manifest in destructive coping mechanisms, including substance abuse, social withdrawal and, tragically, an increase in suicidal ideation.
The psychological toll is immense. Studies, locally and globally, consistently link unemployment to elevated rates of anxiety, depression and a pervasive sense of hopelessness.
For South Africa’s young people, this is compounded by existing societal pressures, deep-seated inequalities, and the lingering trauma of historical injustices. They see their parents and grandparents who fought for freedom still struggling, and they feel the crushing burden of being unable to lift their families out of poverty.
This can lead to a sense of despair, a belief that their efforts are futile, regardless of their talent, hard work or determination.
Furthermore, the impact extends beyond the individual. Families, already strained by economic pressures, bear the emotional burden. The dynamic shifts as young adults, instead of becoming contributors, remain dependants — sometimes leading to increased household stress and conflict.
Communities lose the vibrancy and dynamism that a thriving young population brings.
The collective frustration and disillusionment can also contribute to social unrest as desperation boils over when legitimate pathways to opportunity are blocked. The xenophobic sentiments that occasionally flare up in South Africa are, in part, a tragic manifestation of this desperation as frustrated young people misdirect their anger towards perceived competitors for scarce resources.
A distant illusion
The promise of our democracy was that every young person would have the chance to thrive. Yet for too many, that promise remains a distant illusion.
Addressing this crisis demands more than just job creation, vital as that is. It requires a holistic, compassionate and integrated approach to mental health support. Imagine young people coming together to share their experiences, realising they’re not alone, and building solidarity. Community initiatives that provide safe spaces for expression, creative activities and skills-building could make a difference in helping them feel supported and empowered.
But it can’t stop there. We need accessible, destigmatised mental health services tailored to the unique challenges faced by unemployed young people. This includes counselling, peer support networks and community-based initiatives that foster resilience, rebuild self-esteem and provide a sense of belonging. Mentorship programmes, skills development that emphasises life and vocational skills, and avenues for entrepreneurship can offer rays of hope and practical pathways.
Of course, vocational skills are important, but what about resilience and life skills? We need to equip young people with tools like stress management, problem-solving and emotional intelligence. And then there’s the bigger picture: job creation.
However, job creation alone isn’t enough. These economic efforts must be paired with mental health support. As young people enter training programmes or temporary jobs, they should have access to resources that help them handle the psychological challenges that come with transitioning into the workforce.
We cannot afford to ignore the silent suffering of our young people. Investing in their mental wellbeing is not merely an act of compassion; it is a strategic imperative for our nation’s future stability and prosperity, and the acknowledgement of the vibrant, inclusive society we aspire to be.
The young people of 1976 fought for a future where their potential would not be suppressed. Today, our young people are fighting a different kind of battle — one for their potential, their dignity and their right to hope.
As we commemorate Youth Day, let us commit to not just honouring the past, but to actively building a present and future where every young South African can find work and safeguard their mental wellbeing — ensuring that their dreams, however deferred, do not dissolve into despair. DM
Dr Stefani du Toit is a senior researcher at the Institute for Life Course Health Research at Stellenbosch University. She writes in her personal capacity.