Don’t just search for the future, prompt it
Interest in artificial intelligence is growing globally, but many South African youth have limited guidance on leveraging AI for income. Research suggests that about 35% of Gen Z (ages 13 to 28) use AI tools daily; few can convert this familiarity into economic opportunities. Understanding the intersection of AI, employability, and entrepreneurship is vital as the markets evolve. GirlCode is excited to share tips on leveraging AI to equip youth with essential knowledge and skills for their future.
As the world debates whether AI will replace jobs, youth can use it to create new opportunities. The youth unemployment crisis in South Africa is well-documented. Traditional paths to employment are under pressure, entry-level positions are shrinking, and competition for formal jobs is fierce. In this context, AI should be viewed not as a threat to employment but as a valuable set of tools that can help young people become more employable, productive, and entrepreneurial.
Young people entering the job market can gain an edge by using AI tools for CV optimisation and interview preparation. Beyond employability, AI presents a powerful opportunity for entrepreneurship, particularly in a context where formal jobs are scarce. Young people no longer need large amounts of capital to start small businesses or ‘side hustles’.
Drawing from the latest trends, Zandile Mkhwanazi, CEO of GirlCode, suggests these practical ways to “AI-ify” your journey.
From creating virtual podcasts to developing games, here is how you can practically use AI to launch your career or build a business from your smartphone:
- Platforms like Resume.io can help tailor your CV and practice interviews to boost confidence. It is important to remember that foundational skills such as critical thinking and communication are essential; AI should enhance these abilities rather than replace them. Once prepared, consider visiting SAYouth.mobi, a data-free portal that provides South African youth with access to job opportunities and training programmes.
- You can use AI to share authentic South African stories by creating virtual podcasts or leverage AI to edit and enhance content in local languages. ElevenLabs is a platform specialising in advanced generative voice AI and audio technology. It enables the creation of realistic, context-aware, and emotionally expressive AI voices.
- Do you have an idea for a service that could benefit your community? There’s no need to be a software engineer. Use Lovable.dev to transform your ideas into functional web apps simply by chatting with the AI. This platform empowers development, allowing you to go from a screenshot to a prototype in minutes.
- For aspiring filmmakers and content creators, Kling AI enables you to generate high-quality, realistic videos (up to 3 minutes long) from simple text prompts. You can now produce cinematic stories or marketing videos for your small business without requiring a full production team.
- Young entrepreneurs are now creating their own games for an international audience. AI accelerates the asset creation and coding process, allowing you to focus on the story and gameplay. Rosebud AI is ideal for those who want to concentrate on narrative and gameplay, as it lets you describe a game concept in natural language, allowing the AI to generate the initial code, logic, and physics. You can then rapidly prototype 2D and 3D browser games that can be shared instantly for global reviews.
- No business is complete until you can accept payments. Yoco is an essential tool for young entrepreneurs to start accepting digital payments right away, ensuring the side hustle operates as a professional enterprise from day one.
While AI is a powerful catalyst for change, authentic success still demands the discipline and grit that have always defined South African excellence. Young people must prioritise digital literacy and integrity, ensuring that ethical judgment remains at the heart of every innovation. “By lowering the barriers to entry, these tools can empower youth to speak their truth and build a brand from any corner of Mzansi. This is the moment to move into the driver’s seat, stay curious, master the tools, and prove that the next great innovation is powered by you, “said Zandile.