LEVERAGING PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES FOR AN INCLUSIVE JUST TRANSITION: CONNECTING YOUTH TO THE GREEN ECONOMY THROUGH CITYLED PARTNERSHIPS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Public employment programmes (PEPs) are increasingly recognised as tools for advancing a just transition by addressing both unemployment and environmental sustainability. Youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge globally, and South Africa is no exception. Youth unemployment has increased from 36.8% in 2014 to 45.5% in 2024, a dynamic that has been exacerbated by climate change and socio-economic shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The green economy offers potential for inclusive growth, and programmes like the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) provide temporary jobs and training, creating opportunities to engage youth in green projects. Drawing on key stakeholder interviews and document analysis, this paper examines how South African cities are incorporating youth into EPWP green economy initiatives. It finds that despite policy momentum, cities face challenges in attracting and retaining youth in EPWP initiatives due to a lack of career development pathways, limited alignment with existing skills and unaccredited training opportunities. The paper argues that city-led partnerships with stakeholders in the green economy can improve training quality, build professional pathways and enhance the longterm impact of EPWP on youth employment and empowerment in a just transition context.