JOHANNESBURG - The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey paints a bleak picture for young South Africans, despite a slight improvement in the overall unemployment rate.
Unemployment stood at 31.4 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, down from 31.9 percent in the third quarter, according to Statistics South Africa.
However, youth unemployment remains significantly higher than the national average.
In simple terms, if you are under 35, the labour market looks far worse than the headline figure suggests.
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Former Statistician-General Pali Lehohla argues that the economy is not structured to create jobs at scale.
“The reality is that young people need jobs, and the economy isn’t creating enough labour-absorbing opportunities,” he said.
Many young South Africans are not formally employed, but they are working in informal or self-created roles — running small businesses, selling food, freelancing, driving e-hailing vehicles and trading goods online.
One such entrepreneur is Richard. After failing to find employment post-matric, he and a school friend decided to open a business selling motor and bike parts.
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“It’s a struggle getting by. We’re both 21 and still stay with our parents because we don’t make enough to survive on our own,” he said.
“We try to make ends meet every month, but it’s difficult. I don’t see a future with a wife and kids or even a house of my own at this stage.
“And with the economy under pressure, fewer people are buying car parts, which is also affecting our business.”
Another young job seeker, Willem, now works for a garden service. The 27-year-old holds a degree in education but has been unable to secure a teaching post.
“I was looking everywhere, even moving provinces,” he said.
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“When I got to Gauteng, I thought it would be better because there would be more work opportunities.
“But the opportunities in schools are far fewer than I expected.
“Luckily, my mom knew someone with a garden service business and hooked me up. It’s not much money, but at least I get something in my stomach every day.”
CEO of the Youth Employment Service (YES), Ravi Naidoo, says there are no quick fixes to sustainable youth employment.
“To make meaningful progress, we need large-scale programmes that are closely linked to what the economy needs and maintained for at least ten years,” he said.