The high levels of unemployment in South Africa are a
key concern for young people after leaving school. The
challenges in the schooling and post-secondary education
systems discussed in previous essays especially contribute to high
levels of youth unemployment. But it is also important to consider
how the structure of the labour market as well as personal,
household and community factors impact on the ability of young
peoplei
to access employment. Additionally, in considering
interventions that could bring about change, it is important to
acknowledge young people’s agency and survival strategies. This
chapter will provide an overview of these factors and explore the
following questions:
• How big is the youth unemployment problem?
• Who is most affected?
• What labour market features limit young people’s access to
work?
• How do community, household and personal factors limit young
people’s access to work?
• What are the personal effects of unemployment?
• What interventions could enhance youth’s access to the labour
market?
• What are some of the possible ways to address youth
unemployment in South Africa?
The essay takes a broad view of employment, acknowledging
that young people may find work in the formal or informal sector,
or in other forms of vulnerable employment (such as short-term
and casual labour).1
We focus primarily on interventions aimed
at addressing unemployment, but also look at ways that can
enable young people to progress to better, more stable forms of
employment.