Finding solutions to SA’s unemployment crisis

South Africa has long grappled with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, and the situation has only been exacerbated by the devastating job losses brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. The country's second-quarter unemployment figures revealed a staggering loss of 2.2 million jobs, painting a grim picture of the economic landscape. To delve deeper into this pressing issue, CNBC Africa spoke with Dumi Jere, the CEO of Talanta.co, a groundbreaking digital marketplace aiming to revolutionize the management consulting industry as a solution to the unemployment crisis. Jere shed light on the challenges facing the government's efforts to address unemployment, pointing out a lack of alignment between existing policies and the needs of the economy. He emphasized the importance of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are the lifeblood of the economy and have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Jere highlighted the role of education in addressing structural unemployment, suggesting a shift towards skills development and entrepreneurship as a way to stimulate job creation. Talanta.co, which means 'talent' in Swahili, offers a platform that connects clients with independent management consultants across various practice areas such as corporate finance, operations, supply chain, and information technology. By leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms, the platform matches client needs with consultants possessing the right expertise, ensuring a tailored and efficient service delivery. Jere outlined the platform's unique value proposition, which lies in reducing overhead costs and providing clients with access to top-tier consultants at a more affordable price point. Despite being in the early stages of operation, Talanta.co has already garnered interest from potential clients, including JSE-listed companies and SMEs. The platform's disruptive model challenges the dominance of traditional auditing firms by offering a more transparent and cost-effective alternative for businesses seeking management consultancy services. Jere expressed optimism about the platform's prospects, emphasizing the increasing demand for strategic guidance and the need for accessible consulting services in the current business landscape. As businesses across the African continent adapt to the 'new normal' brought about by the pandemic, Talanta.co presents a timely and innovative solution to address critical management needs. By democratizing access to top-tier consultants and streamlining the consulting process, Talanta.co is poised to make a significant impact in reshaping the consulting industry and contributing to job creation on the continent.