Cape Town is investing in brighter futures, having recently equipped 11,154 young people with the confidence, leadership and employability skills to thrive beyond the odds stacked against them.
Cape Town, South Africa (22 October 2026) – South Africa’s high unemployment rate and the many social challenges facing disadvantaged youth are well known. Yet initiatives on the ground are helping to change these negative narratives by equipping young people with the skills to make positive choices and improve their employability.
From August 2025 to June 2026, thousands of young people aged 14 to 35, across Cape Town, recruited through schools, youth organisations and sub-councils, received training through the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department. The programmes covered first aid, personal development planning, leadership, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and youth employability skills.
Over the past year, 11,154 young people took part in these programmes. They gained practical skills to grow in confidence, become stronger leaders, build positive networks and envision a future beyond crime and other social ills.
“When we invest in young people, we strengthen individuals, families and communities, and help create the conditions in which young people can make positive choices about their futures,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The programmes were delivered across the city by CACD’s regional teams. Regional officials presented the Personal Development Plan and Youth Employability Skills programmes using standardised CACD manuals and guidelines. Appropriately qualified external service providers delivered specialised training in leadership development, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and first aid.
The training sessions aimed to:
- Build confident young leaders with the courage to speak up, take action and shape the future.
- Empower young people to lead, inspire others and create positive change.
- Encourage young people to enrol in future programmes.
- Encourage young people to participate in development initiatives.
- Promote volunteerism and community-led projects.
Anyone interested in the programme and in empowering more young people can email [email protected].
Sources: City of Cape Town
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