Youth Unemployment

 

2.    SOUTH AFRICA YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT.

·         Youth Unemployment in South Africa.

As seen in the graphic above, there is a clear distinction of how big the difference is between unemployment amongst the youth and those older. These kinds of numbers are what cause the self-esteem of young people to decrease as they might come to realize that what is the use of studying hard for a certain profession when it all will be for nothing and that it will only result in sitting at home without a job. And this is only for those that did study, when it comes to those that did not finish school due to poverty or home circumstances, or only have a matric certificate, it is even more difficult to find a job. Which inadvertently leads to an increase of youth unemployment. It also leads to high rate in crime, because if they have no honest way to earn money, they resort to violence, robbery, burglary, and the list goes on. Most articles go on and on about how high the rate is and the reasons for it being so high and possible ways to decrease it, yet there is little articles that shows the results of their ‘possible ways’. This is evident when an article mentions that “Despite significant policy attention and research on youth unemployment since the 1990s, knowledge and evidence from practice remain fragmented. There is little ‘cross-pollination’ of knowledge between the academic disciplines, including evidence of what interventions work, to inform policy and practice in a comprehensive way” (Graham, De Lannoy, Patel & Leibbrandt, 2018), which could partially account for the failure to address youth unemployment.

·         South African Skill Shortage 

According to the jobs website CareerJunction, there is a critical skills shortage in South Africa across almost all industries, with an emphasis on the IT and finance sectors. According to the group's employment review for 2022, recruiters and HR professionals are having trouble filling skilled job openings in South Africa and around the world. This results in a staff shortage, which in turn hinders business growth and lowers a nation's GDP. These job sectors include information technologies and finance sector, and also jobs such as Medical & Health; Marketing; Design, Media & Arts; Business & Management; and Engineering.

·         4IR skills, knowledge, competencies development

The way we live, and work is changing as a result of cutting-edge technologies like robotics, machine learning, the Internet of Things, and virtual reality. Some jobs will soon become obsolete, making room for more technical positions. Today's unknown job titles will tomorrow be the most in demand. These cutting-edge technologies are predicted to significantly alter the industrial landscape. Only those with the most up-to-date skill sets will stand out as machines become smarter. This is why it is important to learn the necessary skills in order to keep up with the rapid technology changes in the world.

·         Future Jobs

One of the most recurring topics of conversation is work or employment or jobs. This is especially apparent among young people coming out from school, university, college or just in general. This topic is known to come about with sometimes confidence, or sometimes distress. This is evident when Alban Kalasa (2019) stated that “This is standard for recent graduates in their twenties. We are either looking for work or holding on to it for dear life…there always seems to be a feeling of uneasiness…and it absolutely has to do with the times we are living in”. When he mentions “the times we are living in”, he is referring to the high rate of unemployment and how technology is taking over the responsibilities that humans are so used to doing. For example, certain petrol stations do not even need attendants anymore, because there is a self-serving machine easy for customers to use. Which lead to increase of unemployment rate. On the bright side, this lead to people being more innovative and motivated, for example, it can lead to more inspiring entrepreneurs and ultimately more job opportunities and variety of jobs.

·         TVET

TVET includes instruction, training, and the development of skills related to a wide range of professions, industries, and ways of life. TVET is of great importance in fostering employment, which is why it is also important to prepare students in way that they can enter TVET institutions. Meaning learners should be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to enter and develop further in TVET.