With unemployment and social issues reaching critical levels, township development organizations and community leaders call for targeted skills programs to transform South African townships.
JOHANNESBURG — South African townships, home to nearly 40% of the nation’s population, continue to struggle with high unemployment, concentrated poverty, and limited access to essential resources. In response to these challenges, a survey of over 300 community developers from across the country indicates an urgent need for targeted skills in conflict management, mediation, policy implementation, and communication. The survey conducted by the Volunteer Ministers highlights that without these skills, township development practitioners face significant barriers to creating lasting positive change in their communities.
According to recent data from Statistics South Africa, youth unemployment remains one of the country’s most pressing issues, with nearly 61% of young people in townships out of work. This crisis is compounded by the legacy of apartheid-era spatial planning, which has left many townships physically disconnected from economic hubs, limiting residents’ access to jobs, education, and essential services.
A report by the World Bank noted that communities with strong leadership were 25% more likely to achieve sustainable development outcomes. “Townships are among the most underserved areas, yet they hold tremendous potential for economic growth,” an expert noted, emphasizing that addressing spatial inequalities and systemic exclusion faced by townships is essential to South Africa’s broader development goals. Although townships face significant challenges, they could become thriving centers of entrepreneurship if residents were equipped with skills in business management, leadership, and financial literacy.
Afrika Tikkun and the Choko Five Movement advocate for targeted training programs that emphasize training that will be beneficial to the recipients and leadership skills. Recent research supports this view, suggesting that improving leadership skills among community leaders significantly increases social cohesion. A study done by the HSRC, “Community Development and Social Cohesion” (2020) – explored the relationship between community development and social cohesion, emphasizing the need for effective leadership. Another study by the African Leadership Institute found that community development projects led by trained leaders had a 40% higher success rate compared to those without trained leaders. The International Journal of Community Development’s study: “The Impact of Leadership Training on Community Development Projects” (2022) – Presented research on the positive effects of leadership training on community development project outcomes.
Health, Social Issues, and Economic Strain
Beyond unemployment, South African townships are grappling with social issues such as drug abuse, gender-based violence, and rising crime. According to a report by the South African Police Service (SAPS), crime rates in townships are significantly higher than in urban areas, with violent crime reported to have increased markedly over the past year. These social challenges impact local economies by deterring business investments and damaging community morale.
As development practitioners noted in the recent survey, handling these issues often falls to community leaders, many of whom lack formal training in social work, mental health, or crisis intervention. “Our communities have talent and potential, but without the necessary skills, we’re not equipped to address the overwhelming issues we face,” states a survey participant.
The need for skill development in townships is now recognized by policymakers and organizations alike, with increased collaboration between nonprofits, local governments, and private entities. Earlier, the Gauteng Provincial Government passed the Township Economic Development Act, aimed at unlocking economic growth by supporting small businesses within townships. It emphasized the importance of supporting township businesses and equipping entrepreneurs with necessary skills to navigate complex markets. It is highlighted as a game-changer for Gauteng, aiming to accelerate support for the township economy. The bill provides a regulatory framework that enables people living in townships to establish viable businesses in a less bureaucratic environment.
The act’s passage has been welcomed by community development leaders, though many assert that immediate on-the-ground training in soft skills is still essential for effective long-term transformation.
The African Development Bank provides funding for various initiatives promoting economic development and skills training across Africa and emphasizes the importance of supporting entrepreneurship and private sector growth in underserved communities.
While the challenges are substantial, the sentiment among township development practitioners remains hopeful. The survey reveals that most community leaders believe townships have untapped potential that could be harnessed through collaborative efforts, better training, and sustained support. “We know why townships were created, but now it’s time to change the narrative,” says Sandile Hlayisi, Chairperson of the Volunteer Ministers. “Our townships are not just places of hardship; they are engines of possibility. With commitment and skills, we can rewrite our story.”
