Youth unemployment in South Africa isn’t a new story, but it’s still one of the country’s most urgent challenges. Despite many young people holding qualifications, access to meaningful work experience, mentorship and long-term career prospects remains limited, particularly in the technology sector, which continues to grow but often lacks diversity in its entry points.
“Efforts led by the private sector are key to addressing South Africa’s unemployment crisis,” says Timothy Thomas, Country Manager for Epson South Africa. “Creating opportunities for graduates within leading tech companies isn’t just about empowering individuals with fulfilling careers, but about building a skilled pipeline of future talent to drive innovation and economic growth too.”
The numbers speak for themselves: According to the latest Stats SA data, youth unemployment in South Africa (ages 15–34) remains alarmingly high at over 45%. Even among graduates, landing meaningful employment particularly in specialist fields like technology is far from guaranteed. This is where targeted, well-structured programmes led by the private sector can make a real difference.
Through its graduate programme, now in its second year, Epson provides graduates with on-the-job experience by involving them in real-life projects under the guidance of experienced mentors and senior managers in the print technology sector. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between formal qualifications and practical industry exposure, especially for graduates who may not have followed the traditional STEM route but still have valuable skills to offer.
For Hlawulekani Khoza, who joined the programme after completing her Business Management qualification, the experience has been transformative. “I never imagined I’d end up in the tech space,” she admits. “But Epson helped me realise that tech is not just coding or engineering. There’s a huge need for people with business skills too, and that opened my eyes to how broad this sector really is.”
Beyond building technical skills, Epson’s programme prioritises career development through structured mentorship. “From the start, it was clear that this wasn’t just about ticking a box,” Khoza explains. “When I shared my long-term goals with the Epson team, they actually listened and made sure the opportunities I was given aligned with where I wanted to go.”
Thomas agrees that this deliberate, personalised approach is crucial. “As a business with more than two decades of presence in South Africa, and with continued investment in local operations, we recognise the responsibility we have in helping young South Africans build careers that last.”
Khoza highlights how meaningful mentorship has shaped her experience, particularly under the guidance of senior leaders like Epson’s Head of IT, Ebrahim Rahman. “I’ve learned that being seen by the right people matters,” she says. “It’s been a mix of practical work, honest feedback and having people who genuinely believe in your potential.”
More than technical skills, Epson’s graduate programme has equipped Khoza with a key insight about corporate life. “In these spaces, there’s often pressure to fit a mould or behave a certain way to be taken seriously. But I’ve realised that staying authentic helps you build stronger relationships and earn real respect.”
As Epson continues to expand its footprint in South Africa, investing in young talent is central to its long-term growth strategy. Initiatives like its graduate programme demonstrate that with intentional support from the private sector, South Africa’s youth can access real opportunities and help shape the future of the country’s tech sector in the process.