Youth Lab ZA

Youth Lab ZA A youth development and capacity building organization working to mainstream youth participation.

We believe that young people are best placed to define the South Africa that would best support their individual hopes and aspirations. Youth Lab was created by a group of young South Africans to be a non-partisan connector. In the same way that a bridge, for all its strength, is a passive connector, this organisation aims to be a way for young people to be able to make their voices heard. Youth L

ab aims creates spaces for young people to significantly increase their understanding and engagement on policy and socio-economic issues that directly affect them, with the objective of increasing the Youth’s voice and participation, and the nation’s consideration of youth efforts, in policy definition and implementation. The focus of Youth Lab’s approach is empowerment, rather than ‘doing for’. Youth Lab hopes to make a lasting contribution and help South Africa realise its full potential by helping its youth to participate in building a bright future

An important update from the Youth Lab team ✨
01/02/2026

An important update from the Youth Lab team ✨

The Y20 Summit 2025 themes on economic emancipation and youth participation in the mainstream economy strongly align wit...
25/09/2025

The Y20 Summit 2025 themes on economic emancipation and youth participation in the mainstream economy strongly align with the entrepreneurial development work of Youth Lab through the Grand-Pa Academy. Both initiatives share a commitment to youth empowerment, unlocking economic opportunities, and tackling the challenges young people face in South Africa.

We have put together how these efforts align — and what you, as a small business owner, can gain by joining the Academy.

The Y20 Summit 2025 themes on economic emancipation and youth participation in the mainstream economy strongly align wit...
25/09/2025

The Y20 Summit 2025 themes on economic emancipation and youth participation in the mainstream economy strongly align with the entrepreneurial development work of Youth Lab through the Grand-Pa Academy. Both initiatives share a commitment to youth empowerment, unlocking economic opportunities, and tackling the challenges young people face in South Africa.

We’ve put together how these efforts align — and what you, as a small business owner, can gain by joining the Academy.

[OPPORTUNITIES 💼] We have a variety of opportunities to explore. Whether you are looking to kickstart your career, netwo...
17/09/2025

[OPPORTUNITIES 💼] We have a variety of opportunities to explore. Whether you are looking to kickstart your career, network, or boost your skills with upskilling programs, we got you covered. All the best to applicants.

The South African Y20 2025 Summit highlighted the youth-led discussions on pressing global issues like climate change, i...
15/09/2025

The South African Y20 2025 Summit highlighted the youth-led discussions on pressing global issues like climate change, inclusive economic growth, digital innovation, and social development. The summit concluded in August 2025, with South African youth advocating for their role in shaping global policy and driving change. Key takeaways emphasize the youth's proactive approach to leadership and the need for their voices to influence G20 agendas through bold initiatives.

Key Themes and Focus Areas
* Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability:
Youth are demanding action on renewable energy and just transitions to protect the planet.

* Inclusive Economic Growth & Employment:
Discussions centred on job creation, legitimizing alternative educational pathways, and tackling youth unemployment.

* AI, Digital Innovation & Future of Work:
The importance of digital skills and adapting to the evolving job market were prominent themes.

* Youth Engagement & Multilateralism:
The summit aimed to give youth a voice in global policy and to reform existing multilateral systems.

* Inclusive Social Development:
Addressing inequality and ensuring solutions cater to all youth, regardless of background, was a significant focus.

Highlights from the Y20 Summit:
1. The Y20 South Africa 2025 Summit was a historic event, bringing together over 400 youth leaders and stakeholders.
2. ⁠It served as a launchpad for conversations and collaborations among youth, extending beyond the event itself.
3. ⁠The summit provided a platform for youth to showcase their innovative ideas and commitment to addressing global challenges.
4. ⁠A key message was that youth are leading the charge and will not wait to be included in policy decisions.

These two articles from 22 On Sloane and IOL provide insights into the summit and its outcomes.

https://share.google/nQvfXpvgzpgMAcjgB

https://share.google/CPmnixlCspJqLQNLT

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey Q2 2025 results show that youth unemployment is still a massive crisis in South Africa...
29/08/2025

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey Q2 2025 results show that youth unemployment is still a massive crisis in South Africa. Right now, 43.9% of young people aged 15–34 are not in work, school, or training (NEET). This is only a slight improvement from last year’s 44.2%, but it remains far too high.

At the same time, the youth unemployment rate is stuck at 46.1%, unchanged from Q1 2025. Too many young people are being left out and pushed to the margins. This ongoing disconnect makes it clear that we need real, targeted solutions that build skills, create jobs, and open up inclusive opportunities for young people.

What do you think is the biggest barrier keeping young people from jobs and opportunities in South Africa?

[KZN GRANDPA ACADEMY BOOTCAMP] We've officially completed Week 2 of the KZN Grandpa Academy Bootcamp! This three-week jo...
25/07/2025

[KZN GRANDPA ACADEMY BOOTCAMP] We've officially completed Week 2 of the KZN Grandpa Academy Bootcamp! This three-week journey is all about fostering growth, innovation, and financial literacy.

During the second week, participants engaged with the "Manage" module, focusing on essential skills such as:

  * Managing money
  * Tracking finances
  * Employing creative income-generating strategies.

These skills are crucial for building successful businesses that not only thrive in competitive markets but also drive meaningful change within their communities.

[KZN GRANDPA ACADEMY BOOTCAMP] We have officially kicked off the Grandpa Academy Bootcamp, a 3-week journey of growth, i...
18/07/2025

[KZN GRANDPA ACADEMY BOOTCAMP] We have officially kicked off the Grandpa Academy Bootcamp, a 3-week journey of growth, innovation, and impact.

Week 1 focused on empowering participants with practical tools to solve real community challenges through their businesses; use innovative strategies to attract and retain customers, and identify and connect with their ideal target market.

These skills are important for building businesses that not only thrive in competitive markets but also drive meaningful change in their communities.

[GRANDPA ACADEMY 2025] It's that time of year again!✨️For the first time ever, the GrandPa Academy is in KwaZulu-Natal. ...
11/07/2025

[GRANDPA ACADEMY 2025] It's that time of year again!✨️

For the first time ever, the GrandPa Academy is in KwaZulu-Natal. This initiative offers township entrepreneurs from Umlazi, Ntuzuma, and Clemont the opportunity to participate in a four-week business development program facilitated by Youth Lab.

We are recapping the first week that we call "Mapping" as we introduced participants to the program. During the workshop, participants engaged in four activities designed to:

- Map out the challenges they face in their businesses.
- Explore and map the challenges within their community.
- Track and analyze their personal spending habits.
- Create a comprehensive economic map of their communities, showcasing the transactions taking place around them.

At the end of the four weeks, 12 participants will have the chance to win their share of R150 000 worth of business development funding.

[NATIONAL DIALOGUE] On June 10, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the start of a National Dialogue — a space whe...
26/06/2025

[NATIONAL DIALOGUE] On June 10, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the start of a National Dialogue — a space where all South Africans can engage on the country’s future. This is our chance to show up, speak up, and shape the South Africa we want to live in.

The dialogue is not just for leaders — it’s for everyone. Let’s make sure youth voices are heard, valued, and part of the solution.

As a young person, what topics do YOU think need more attention in the National Dialogue for urgent solutions?

[OPPORTUNITIES 💼] This week, we have a variety of opportunities to explore. Whether you are looking to kickstart your ca...
25/06/2025

[OPPORTUNITIES 💼] This week, we have a variety of opportunities to explore. Whether you are looking to kickstart your career, network, or boost your skills with upskilling programs, we got you covered. All the best to applicants.

Address

Pavilion Office Park, 12 Wessel Road, Edenburg
Johannesburg

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 15:30
Tuesday 09:00 - 15:30
Wednesday 09:00 - 15:30
Thursday 09:00 - 15:30
Friday 09:00 - 15:30

Telephone

0766663173

Website

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