SACAP

Like their global counterparts, South African youth report high levels of mental health challenges arising from universal experiences such as the climate crisis, economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability and social media threats and pressures. Yet, there are also unique challenges affecting young people that are particularly rooted in South Africa’s socio-economic landscape.

The demand for higher education in South Africa far outstrips the places available at the country’s 26 publicly funded universities. Private tertiary institutions play a critical role in making quality further education more available to the population. This is not simply about offering more or alternative places in tertiary education.

As organisations are buffeted by endless change and disruption, there is an increase in focus on coaching for culture and engagement to build positive and resilient workplaces. In recent years, companies are grappling with significant forces impacting on organisational culture and employee engagement. 

As social creatures, it’s natural to feel a sense of trepidation, or even full-blown anxiety, when you know that a high stakes conversation is on the cards.  While avoidance is an understandable reaction, the respite is generally short-lived, and the consequences of not engaging with what needs to said and heard can be significant. 

Young South Africans aspire to do work that is both meaningful and fulfilling, according to the Frame Your Future survey recently conducted by SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology). 

Matric results season is here, and a new phase of life is about to begin for the country's latest school-leavers.  Some will step onto their chosen tertiary or vocational pathways, but for many, the way ahead is not yet clear.

With endemic poverty, high unemployment, high crime rates and the prevalence of gender-based violence, South Africans have long been a chronically stressed nation.  Over the past few years, the global pandemic, economic downturn, climate crisis and geopolitical wars have only served to highlight the need to properly recognise the impact of poor, and worsening mental health on the country.

For many decades, global organisations such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations (UN) have espoused the many advantages of lifelong learning for individuals, businesses and institutions.

SACAP (South African College of Applied Psychology) has announced the 2022 launch of two new Higher Certificate educational programmes in its Management and Leadership faculty offering school leavers a vocational pathway into the South African business sector.  

Across South Africa, thousands of successful matriculants are about to embark on a new and vital stage of their educational journey.  It’s widely recognised that gaining some kind of tertiary education enhances young people’s opportunities to find fulfilling work and meet their future career and life goals. 

Many young people today want careers that will empower them to make a positive difference in the world.  A wide range of socio-economic and political issues including social justice issues, as well as the climate change related crises are top-of-mind on a daily basis, compelling Millennial and Gen Z generations to want to roll up their sleeves and work to bring about change. 

The disruptions caused by the global pandemic over the past two years have fundamentally shifted our views, and our appreciation for what we can achieve in the online environment, especially when it comes to education. 

While many of us regard higher education as essential for career success, in today’s fast-changing world, traditional degree and diploma programmes may not deliver results quickly enough to enhance job security or ensure a critical career advancement.