- South Africa’s national unemployment rate stands
at 32.1%, with youth unemployment at a staggering 45.5% for those aged 15-34. - Many young South Africans face repeated job
rejections despite having qualifications, with financial and logistical
barriers adding to the challenge. - While initiatives like Youth Employment Services
offer temporary solutions, they fail to address the systemic issue of long-term
employment opportunities for youth.
South Africa’s unemployment crisis remains a significant challenge, with the latest figures from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) painting a stark picture. The national unemployment rate stood at 32,1% in the third quarter of last year, while the expanded unemployment rate, which includes discouraged job seekers, reached 41,9%.
Youth unemployment is particularly concerning, with 45,5% of individuals aged 15-34 unable to find stable employment, and the figure climbing to 60,2% for those aged 15-24.
The impact of these statistics is felt in communities across the country.
Miranda Zawukana, a 24-year-old from Imizamo Yethu, represents many young South Africans struggling to secure work.
Despite earning an NQF Level 4 certificate in Professional Cookery and achieving a bachelor pass in her National Senior Certificate (NSC) in 2019, her job search has been met with constant rejection.
“I’ve been applying for jobs back to back in the past year, I even lost count. I had four interviews and every time, it ends with ‘We regret to inform you’ ” Zawukana explains. “It feels like I’m gaining experience, but there’s no progress.”
Her struggle reflects the reality of many young people who, despite qualifications, find themselves unable to enter the workforce. The difficulty in securing permanent employment is compounded by a lack of entry-level positions and financial barriers.
“It is frustrating,” says Zawukana.
The financial burden of job searching also adds to the challenge.
Despite the obstacles, Zawukana remains determined to build a future in the hospitality industry. “Professional cookery wasn’t my first choice, but I love bringing people together through food,” she says. She has applied to the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) to further her studies but cites financial constraints and lack of guidance as barriers. “I want to create stability, especially for my four-year-old son,” she shares. “If I had a stable job, I would bring him to live with me and invest in his education.”
While initiatives like Youth Employment Services (YES) have provided short-term work opportunities, they have not been enough to create lasting change. Many continue to search for opportunities that remain just out of reach. Until meaningful solutions are implemented, the cycle of unemployment will continue to define the reality for millions. As Zawukana puts it, “I don’t want handouts. I just want a place where I belong and can grow.”
