2.
Problem statement
Youth unemployment in South AfricaThere are many factors that
contribute to the alarming 53. 4% youth unemployment rate, which is so
concerning that we must take a look at some of the key statistics and
factors involved to understand the issue further.
Key Statistics:
* Unemployment rate among 15–24-year-olds*: 53. 4%
- Notes Number of young people unemployed: approximately 3. 4 million.
- Youth population: approximately 20.6 million.
These are some reasons that may explain the unemployment rate among
young job seekers:
These factors are interconnected and can have a compounding impact on
youth unemployment. Addressing these factors requires a comprehensive
and multi-faceted approach that involves governments, international
organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
Economic Reasons
1. Low economic development: An economy that is not thriving may result
in fewer jobs being available to young people.
2. Expensive workforce: High rates of pay can discourage employers from
hiring young people.
3. Lack of supporting facilities: Lack of infrastructure such as
transportation and communication can restrict job opportunities.
4. Globalization: Globalization may result in job losses due to increased
competition.
Educational Reasons 1. Restrictive geographical education: Limited access
to education, particularly in remote areas, can restrict employment
opportunities.
2. Low standards of skills training: Poorly structured skills training may not
meet employers’ needs.
3. Education does not reflect employment market needs: There is a gap
between the skills offered by the education sector and the requirements of
the labor market.
Social Reasons 1. Social class differences: Youth unemployment can be
worsened by coming from a disadvantaged home,, not having social
contacts, and no available resources.
2. Differences by race or ethnicity: Restrictions based on racial or ethnic
identity can create a breach for people with certain backgrounds in
education, training, or employment opportunities.
3. Differences between rural and urban areas: There are differences
between urban and rural.
Technological Elements
1. Automation and artificial intelligence: The increased use of automation
and artificial intelligence may result in job losses and heighten
competition for available positions.
2. Digital divide: An information gap could restrict access to vital
information, education, and jobs.
Policy and Institutional Elements
1. Inadequate labor market policies: With insufficient policies or programs
in the labor market, the unique requirements of the youth are often
unmet.
2. Limited access to finance: The inability to access financing hampers the
ability to start businesses or create new positions.
3. Bureaucratic barriers: Administrative obstacles stifle business and
employment opportunities.
Social and Population Characteristics
1. Rapid population :These factors are interconnected and can have a
compounding impact on youth unemployment. Addressing these factors
requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that involves
governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private
sector.
Multiple interventions and policy suggestions have been made to analyze
the multifaceted problem of youth unemployment in South Africa. These
involve:
Directly Related to Youth National Policies
- National Youth Policy (2015): Sets out a comprehensive framework to
help and empower youth with a particular focus to employment and
economic development ¹.
- Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative: Attempts to offer young
people work opportunities as well as skills development, with the hope
that it will make them more employable ¹.
- Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP): Promotes public economic
growth and development by providing youth with work experience and
skill development opportunities in the public sector ¹.
Interventions in Education and Training
- Enhance access to education and training: More emphasis should be put
on funding vocational training programs especially those that include
apprenticeships and internships for young people ¹.
- Provide further work experience opportunities: EPWP should be
broadened to enable more young people to gain work experience and skill
development, thus facilitating the transition between education and
employment.
Interventions in the Labor Market and Socioeconomic
- Overcome constraints of the labour market: The review of labour laws
and practices
References:
ILO. (2020). Global Employment Trends for Youth 2020.
IPCC. (2020). Climate Change 2020: Impacts, Vulnerability, and
Adaptation.
McKinsey. (2017). A future that works: Automation, employment, and
productivity.
OECD. (2020). OECD Employment Outlook 2020.
UN. (2020). World Population Prospects 2019.
UNDRR. (2020). Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction
2019.
WHO. (2020). Mental Health and Work.
World Bank. (2020). World Development Report 2020: Trading for
Development in the Age of Global Value [Link] be structured in a
manner that is favourable for the employment of youth.