South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis remains one of the country’s most significant challenges. According to Stats SA, 46.1% of 15–34-year-olds were unemployed in Q2 2025, rising to 62.4% for those aged 15–24. More than 4.9 million young South Africans are unemployed, with 75.7% having been jobless for a year or longer.
This situation not only threatens the economy but also undermines the skills pipeline of critical industries like Property Technology (PropTech). With the sector evolving at a rapid pace, the absence of new, adaptable talent could stall innovation.
LEAD SA: Creating access for first-time job seekers
In response, targeted internships are offering much-needed opportunities to build workplace-ready skills. One such initiative is LEAD SA by MRI Software, launched in 2025. The programme focuses on 17 to 21-year-olds with no prior work experience, creating a structured entry point into the professional world.
Over twelve months, interns rotate across business areas such as client services, data operations, and support. Weekly sessions focus on professional communication, problem-solving, and sector-specific training. This equips participants with both technical know-how and the interpersonal skills needed to succeed in PropTech.
“Building Brighter is a vision at MRI to create a brighter future. That means smarter cities, empowered communities, sustainable developments, and more accessible opportunities. PropTech is the enabler of this brighter future in South Africa,” says Mark Fairweather, Managing Director of MRI Software Africa.
Building skills to fight generational unemployment
The urgency is underscored by the latest NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) statistics:
- 37.1% of South Africans aged 15–24 are disconnected from work or study.
- 45.1% of those aged 15–34 face the same fate.
Without intervention, these numbers risk solidifying generational unemployment.
LEAD SA represents a private-sector response to this crisis. By offering meaningful work opportunities to the youngest job seekers, PropTech is opening the door to long-term skills development and career growth.
“We launched MRI SA LEAD to create real access for young people, communities, and the industry,” says Melissa Wessels, Director of Professional Services at MRI Software. “Through the programme’s three pillars, we empower individuals through personal growth, product mastery, and future-ready skills. Interns are prepared to contribute from day one and to keep growing well beyond it.”
A brighter path forward
South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis cannot be solved by government alone. Industry initiatives like LEAD SA are crucial to building brighter futures — not only for young people but also for the long-term resilience of key sectors like PropTech.
