16/06/2025
๐ Youth Day Tribute โ SHEQLink ๐ฟ๐ฆ
โEmpowering young voices in SHEQ โ because safety is everyoneโs future.โ
๐ **Did you know?**
South Africaโs youth (ages 15โ34) comprise around 21 million people, making up 33% of the population .
However, youth unemployment among 15โ24 yearโolds has soared to approximately 60%, with 25โ34 yearโolds facing over 40% unemployment .
Many young people report significant mental and physical health challenges, including high rates of anxiety, depression, obesity (68%), and **hypertension (26%)** .
---
๐ Why the Youth Matter to SHEQ
Young people bring new energy, innovation, and dedicationโexactly what our Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) vision needs:
๐ธ Youth in sport and community groups (about 50% participation) show leadership and teamwork that translate into stronger safety culture .
๐ค Collaborative partnerships between business, education, NGOs, and governmentโlike SETAs and the Presidential Youth Employment Interventionโare successfully equipping youth with inโdemand SHEQ and workplace skills .
๐ก๏ธ Prioritising youth involvement promotes safer workplaces and communities, because safety awareness must start early and evolve constantly.
---
๐ฏ SHEQLinkโs Youth Day CallโtoโAction
To South African youth:
Join us to shape inclusive SHEQ programmes that protect people and protect our planet. Your ideas, drive, and resilience are crucial.
To partners & businesses:
Invest in mentorships, internships, and youth-led safety innovationsโtogether, we can turn challenges into opportunities.
---
๐ข Share Your Voice!
โTell us how youth involvement in SHEQ has made a difference.โ
Post your stories, photos, or tips below ๐
Tag youth-led safety groups and
Happy Youth Day! Here's to building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable tomorrowโtogether.