South African youth optimistic about their economic prospects

While 84% of learners said that they would like to work outside the country at some point to further their careers, 74% of the learners surveyed believe that South Africa is a good place to have a successful career, seeing themselves as having better prospects within the country than anywhere else. The learners surveyed believe that in 2016 when they enter the workforce, South Africa will be a better place to work when compared to 2012.

The results also indicate that while 62% of learners are concerned about the impact BEE may have on their careers, 68% of learners still believe that BEE is the right policy to address South Africa's social and economic challenges.

Need for balance

With more than 74% of learners believing that business has more power than government in South Africa and almost 70% agreeing that improvements in South Africa will come mostly through government intervention, it is clear that this generation of students understands the need for balance between government and business interaction for a better South Africa.

Learners were optimistic about the country's prospects with 80% of those surveyed stating that they believed they would have a great life in South Africa and 88% stating that they are proud of the rainbow nation.

Phyllis Byars, senior manager of the GIBS Centre for Leadership and Dialogue said, "The results of the survey demonstrate that the youth are aware about the current climate in South Africa and globally, but they are not letting that deter their hopes and aspirations for successful careers in the near future. We are looking at a new generation of future leaders who are opinionated politically, economically and socially and who will not allow the negativity of the current world climate to affect their hopes and dreams."