The Right Recipe For Youth Unemployment In South Africa

By Nancy Gardner


Most countries struggle with younger people finding jobs. Youth unemployment in South Africa ranks very high. In fact it is third in the world in terms of the amount of people who are left without a job between the ages of 15 and 24. The problem here is that most youngsters can't afford an education.

This not only applies to universities and colleges, but school is also a problem. Parents are not able to pay for their education because they battle financially themselves. Some of these youths are very rebellious and will form gangs and often leave school before they are ready. Crime is a big problem in South Africa and they will rather turn to this in order to make ends meet.

Parents also have something to worry about because they are never sure in which direction their kids are heading. It is not the same as it was back in the day when one left university and went straight into a job. Times have changed and you have to hit the job market every single day. You will face rejections on a regular basis and this plays on the mind.

Often, you will find that it will take a psychological role as well. Because someone is struggling to find a job and they are unemployed, they may think that they are not good enough. Of course, this is not true, but it does tend to play on your mind. A young person may become depressed and anxious during a time like this. They may want to seek another career direction.

Parents may even be suffering financially and won't be able to send their children to a college or university. Some children even drop out of school before they are ready to graduate. This leaves them with little hope of ever finding a job that will support their family. There is not much of a chance that they will climb the ladder of success.

Gap years are becoming more common these days as well. However, the problem is that there is no set goal in mind. After a year of gallivanting around the country or the world, one may not be sure what to do. Funds have run out, and youths will be at home, feeling lost. Young people tend to stay at home with their parents longer these days as well.

More and more people are encouraging people to start their own business in South Africa. However, when you are still young, this is not easy and mistakes can be made. One needs to learn from someone else or by joining with an older partner who will show him or her ropes. Some youths lack ambition and motivation and need to be coached by a mentor, so that they are able to go forward in life.

There are a lot of opportunities in South Africa where one can start a business. The country needs a touch of youth to liven it up as well. They know a lot about the trends and technology. However, getting funding can be a problem. Looking at this issue does not have to hold one back, because there are reliable sources which help young people who have good ideas.




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