South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is often measured in percentages but behind every statistic is a young person with ambition, talent and untapped potential. While creating jobs remains a national priority, employment alone will not solve the challenges facing the country’s next generation. Young professionals need quality education, mentorship, skills development and opportunities that prepare them to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven economy. Building a workforce that is resilient, innovative and future-ready requires long-term investment in people, not only employment opportunities.
According to Tshepisho Makofane, Managing Director and key principal at Tamela Holdings, South Africa’s greatest challenge is not a lack of solutions but a lack of implementation. He believes meaningful progress begins with improving education from the earliest stages, strengthening foundational skills and ensuring young people are equipped for the demands of the modern economy. Without quality education and practical skills, employability will remain a challenge, regardless of how many jobs become available.
A Chartered Accountant (CA), Makofane leads Tamela Holdings, a boutique investment and corporate finance advisory firm based in Bryanston, Johannesburg, specialising in corporate finance, BEE funding and acquisition finance. Holding a B.Com (Hons) and Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Cape Town, together with a Higher Diploma in Tax Law from the University of Johannesburg, he has spent more than 25 years helping businesses grow while mentoring the next generation of finance professionals. His leadership reflects a commitment not only to delivering financial solutions but also to investing in the people who will shape the future of the industry.
Growing up in rural Limpopo, Makofane credits an inspiring accounting teacher, strong career guidance and access to a bursary for changing the course of his life. Those experiences shaped his belief that mentorship and education remain among the most powerful tools for unlocking opportunity and empowering young people to achieve their full potential. He believes every young South African deserves access to mentors who can help them recognise opportunities they may never have imagined possible.
As artificial intelligence reshapes the financial sector, Makofane encourages young professionals to embrace technology rather than fear it. He believes AI can improve efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, allowing professionals to focus on strategic thinking, problem-solving and delivering greater value to clients. At the same time, he cautions that technology should never replace sound judgement or critical thinking. Professionals who combine strong technical expertise with adaptability and ethical decision-making will remain invaluable as the industry continues to evolve.
He also believes organisations have a responsibility to invest in young talent through mentorship, continuous learning and professional development. By creating workplaces that nurture growth, support wellbeing and encourage innovation, businesses strengthen both their people and their long-term competitiveness.
Outside the boardroom, Makofane values lifelong learning and personal wellbeing. He enjoys listening to business podcasts and Bible audio, while staying active by moving his body and spending time outdoors in nature. He believes these habits provide the clarity, balance and perspective needed to lead effectively in both business and life.
For Makofane, South Africa’s future will be shaped not only by the jobs it creates but by how well it equips young people to innovate, lead and build sustainable businesses. By combining quality education, mentorship and forward-thinking leadership, the country can unlock the full potential of its greatest asset its youth. Investing in young professionals today is ultimately an investment in a stronger, more inclusive and more prosperous South Africa for generations to come.
