Watching on eNCA yesterday, I couldn’t believe that youth unemployment in SA is now estimated to have reached 65%. This is a whole generation that will go down in history as either economical late starters or doomed to a life of poverty not of their own making but because of conditions beyond their control.

All sectors of the population must have serious engagements to get to the bottom of the reasons why we find ourselves in this unenviable situation and maybe find solutions. But one major reason is because prospective employers have become wary of the labour environment, where you find employees can end up destroying your business with their selfish demands even when they see that the environment for many businesses is not conducive to profit and growth. In most cases no amount of bargaining will deter workers and their unions from continuing with their demands.

Sadly, while investors might want to bring investments into the country, which would dent the unemployment rate, what is seen to be a hostile labour environment might actually exacerbate the situation.

• Cometh Dube-Makholwa, Midrand