There has been much discussion about how to [increase work prospects for young people], and the response is that a variety of measures are required, including additional education, training, public employment chances, and private sector job development support.
Boost certification rates
With a matric certificate sometimes required for entry-level positions, an educational certification is a potent accelerator on the route to excellent work and further education. However, many young individuals lack a formal education. School dropout rates are at their highest in 20 years, and many of those who do acquire post-secondary education and training do not complete their program.
Although alternative certification paths exist, they must be made apparent and integrated into the departments of basic education, higher education and training, and the private sector.
Make job searching more inexpensive.
Because job searching costs an average of R938 a month, most young people must weigh the cost of job searching against basic necessities. A variety of support measures, including technology, are available to help overcome this barrier. Chat-based services (such as WhatsApp), artificial intelligence, and zero-rated websites have the ability to make job openings more visible and accessible. However, in order to make inexpensive job-seeking a reality, businesses should promote alternative recruitment platforms like the government’s zero-rated portal SAYouth, and mobile network operators should zero-rate platforms that offer (up)skilling material and job-seeking support.
Make public employment a reality.
Public employment programs have long been an important component of the government’s anti-unemployment policy. The Presidential Employment Stimulus, which was implemented as part of the government’s response to the negative consequences of Covid-19, provided financial resources for the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI). The BEEI is South Africa’s largest state employment scheme, driven by the department of basic education, with Phase One providing short-term contracts for 300 000 young people hired as school helpers.
Although programs like the BEEI are a fantastic way to get young people started in the workforce, they might provide a more sustainable return on investment if combined with the development of scarce skills and longer-term initiatives. This can be accomplished by better aligning skill funding (via TVETs), important community services (such as early childhood development), and institutions (such as the Youth Employment Service) that can give opportunities, mentoring, and support.
What strategies may be implemented in South Africa to minimize unemployment?
In the long run, reducing unemployment in South Africa necessitates policies that boost economic growth and the economy’s employment absorption capacity, increase the skills of new labor market entrants, remove labor market rigidities, and promote successful job seeking, particularly among youth.
What factors contribute to unemployment?
Unemployment can occur for a variety of reasons. Recessions, depressions, technical advancements, job outsourcing, and intentionally quitting one job to find another are examples of these.
Why is unemployment so high in South Africa?
Unemployment in South Africa is caused by a variety of circumstances. The most prominent issues are the country’s “apartheid past,” job shortages, and “poor economic growth.” South Africa’s unemployment rate began to fall after 2002, when it was around 34% according to the conventional definition.
