Defining The Youth In Africa
The misunderstanding around the definition of “youth” in Africa remains unresolved despite the ongoing discussion. It is therefore not unexpected that various governments, NGOs, and the general public in numerous African nations as well as other parts of the world have varying understandings of and uses for the idea of “youth” (Mkandawire, 1996). For instance, throughout most of Africa, the legal definition of “adulthood” begins at the age of 21, despite recent attempts to decrease this age to 18. (Curtain, 2000; Mkandawire, 1996). However, many of the obligations and responsibilities of “adulthood” are still legally assumed at the age of 21 in the majority of nations.
Youth Unemployment In South Africa
Youth unemployment in South Africa is a serious issue that calls for a multifaceted approach to increase employment while promoting inclusion and social harmony. A high youth unemployment rate indicates that young people are not developing the knowledge or experience necessary to advance the economy. This hinders the nation’s economic growth and makes it more difficult for the government to give social aid. The urgent problem of unemployment is closely related to skill development. According to international standards, South Africa’s unemployment rate is high and is linked to a number of societal issues, including inequality, poverty, and crime.
Statistics Of Unemployment In South Africa
The following is a summary of the results from Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of 2010 regarding young employment: Compared to less than 17% of those over 30, 42% of young people under the age of 30 are unemployed. Second, the findings indicate that employment for those between the ages of 18 and 24 has decreased by more than 20% (or 320 000) since December 2008. Finally, young individuals who are unemployed tend to be less competent and inexperienced; about 86% have no formal postsecondary or university education, and two-thirds have never held a job.South Africa’s young unemployment rate has reached crisis levels; it was 53.6% in 2013 and made up 41.8% of the country’s 25.4% overall unemployment rate in 2014. High unemployment rates are a cover for the fact that black youths are disproportionately affected by socioeconomic inequality and inadequate education.Youth unemployment is a persistent issue that has existed under democratic rule for 20 years.
The Causes Of Youth Unemployment In South Africa
Lack of credentials
Unemployment is considerably more likely to affect young people without any skills (structural unemployment) According to a report by the Center for Cities, low English and math GCSE scores and youth unemployment are related. The service industry has, in some ways, increased the availability of low-skilled occupations like waitressing, grocery checkout, and bar work. The structure of the job market, however, is that many young people lack the abilities and education required to impress employers.
Location-Based Unemployment
Youth unemployment is frequently concentrated in particular places, frequently inner cities where there is a cycle of low expectations and low success. For instance, the North East’s employment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds is only 64%, while the national average is 70%.
Actual Payroll Unemployment
You could contend that tight labor markets and wages that are higher than the equilibrium rate are to blame for unemployment. Younger workers have historically received reduced “apprentice wages.” For persons between the ages of 18 and 20 in the UK, the minimum wage is £5.60. (2017). Age 21–24 (2017) states that the minimum salary for this age group is £7.05, which is barely under the full minimum wage of £7.50. Real earnings have decreased as a result of the slow growth in nominal wages. This has increased real wage unemployment risk, particularly for younger employees.
An Absence Of Gradute Jobs
Many young people graduate from college with degrees, but they soon discover that there aren’t enough employment for them. Some people discover they may have too much experience for the jobs they apply for.
