By Tapiwa Samanga

Every June, South Africa observes Youth Month, a time to honour the courage and sacrifice of the generation of 1976. Five decades later, the struggle facing young people has changed. While political freedom has been secured, economic inclusion remains elusive. With youth unemployment still exceeding 45%, millions of young South Africans find themselves locked out of meaningful work, financial independence, and participation in the economy.

As we commemorate the legacy of 1976, we must confront a difficult reality: political liberation alone cannot fulfil the aspirations of a generation facing persistent economic exclusion. The challenge before us is to create practical pathways into sustainable employment and long-term prosperity.

For too long, the national conversation around career success has centred almost exclusively on university education. While higher education remains valuable, a growing disconnect exists between academic qualifications and labour market demand. Thousands of graduates leave university each year only to encounter a shortage of opportunities in their chosen fields.

If we are serious about addressing youth unemployment, we must broaden our definition of success, and expose young people to alternative career paths that offer genuine economic mobility. One such pathway lies within South Africa’s Tool, Die and Mould (TDM) making sector - commonly known as the tooling industry.

The importance of tooling is often overlooked, yet it sits at the heart of modern manufacturing. Every vehicle, household appliance, medical device, packaging product, and industrial component begins with a tool, die, or mould. Simply put, manufacturing cannot exist without tooling.

Globally, the world's leading industrial economies recognise this reality. Germany’s manufacturing strength is built on its highly specialised tooling sector, which forms the backbone of the renowned Mittelstand companies that drive exports and industrial innovation. China has similarly invested heavily in tooling and precision manufacturing, helping establish itself as a global manufacturing powerhouse. Emerging economies such as Brazil have also demonstrated how strong tooling ecosystems can support industrial growth, create skilled employment, and strengthen economic resilience.

South Africa has the opportunity to follow a similar path.

One reason many young people overlook tooling is because manufacturing careers are often mischaracterised as repetitive factory work. The reality is very different. Today's tooling industry is a sophisticated, technology-driven environment that combines engineering, digital design, automation, and advanced manufacturing.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has transformed the modern workshop into a high-tech workplace where professionals work with Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, industrial robotics, additive manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing, and advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery. These are precisely the kinds of skills that will define the future of work.

The sector also offers a solution to one of the greatest frustrations facing young job seekers: the experience trap.

Many entry-level positions require years of prior work experience, creating a barrier that leaves young people unable to gain the very experience employers demand. The tooling industry addresses this challenge through structured apprenticeship programmes that combine classroom learning with practical workplace training.

Instead of spending years removed from the realities of industry, apprentices develop technical expertise while working in real production environments. By the time they qualify, they possess both the technical competence and workplace experience employers actively seek.

This approach not only improves employability but also creates a stronger alignment between training and industry needs.

At the same time, South Africa faces a growing shortage of qualified toolmakers. Many experienced professionals are approaching retirement, creating a significant skills gap that presents a unique opportunity for the next generation. For young people entering the field, this translates into stronger job security, faster career progression, and attractive earning potential.

The opportunities extend beyond South Africa’s borders. Precision manufacturing skills are globally transferable and highly sought after, opening doors to careers across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and other advanced industrial markets.

Equally important is the industry's commitment to transformation. Historically underrepresented groups - including Black youth and young women - are increasingly being encouraged and supported to pursue careers in precision manufacturing, engineering, and advanced technical fields. Expanding participation in these sectors is not only a matter of equity; it is essential for building a competitive and inclusive industrial economy.

True economic freedom for today’s youth will not be achieved through policy discussions alone. It will come from equipping young people with the skills needed to build, innovate, manufacture, and compete in a rapidly changing global economy.

The notion that a university degree is the only pathway to success is becoming increasingly outdated. Technical and vocational careers offer equally valuable opportunities for meaningful employment, financial stability, and professional growth.

South Africa's manufacturing sector already possesses the infrastructure, technology, and demand for skilled talent. What is needed now is greater awareness, stronger industry support, and a willingness among young people to explore opportunities beyond traditional career routes.

Tooling is more than a trade. It is a gateway to advanced technology, industrial innovation, and sustainable economic participation. For a generation seeking opportunity, it may well be one of the most practical and powerful tools available to build a better future.