Johannesburg - Strikes in the engineering, metal and fuel sectors could lead to job losses, the National Youth Development Agency said on Wednesday.
"NYDA is concerned about the impact that the ... strikes may have on businesses because of the key role that they play in alleviating South Africa's high unemployment levels," said spokesperson Refilwe Mphane.
Even though the engineering strike is over, it has caused backlogs which are still impacting on some companies. Unemployment predominantly affects the youth.
Loss of revenue and customer support, because of strike-induced shortages, has caused some businesses to close, Mphane said.
The NYDA's economic development executive manager, Tamari Mavasa, said the organisation is willing to renegotiate loan repayment terms with those who could prove that the strikes have impacted on their businesses.
The NYDA has provided business loans to 31 000 young entrepreneurs since its inception, she said.