Inclusive fix needed for youth jobs crisis

In the words of Juan Somvia, "Youth unemployment is not only a personal tragedy but also a waste of human capital essential for economic growth and social development."

South Africa has become a poster child for this crisis with a 35.6% unemployment rate.

Despite government efforts to mitigate the fallout, the decline in economic participation has dire consequences for the youth.

The National Youth Development Agency's (NYDA'S) Integrated Youth Development Strategy (IDS) report (2021) highlights that this has created socio-economic inequality, which disproportionately affects disadvantaged youth, making it harder for them to achieve long-term social stability.

Youth unemployment has consequences beyond economic struggles. As Jahoda (1982) argued, employment serves to provide a sense of purpose. structure, and social identity. Therefore, it's essential to consider how this crisis affects young people's well-being

Young people face significant vulnerabilities abject poverty, home lessness, and food insecurity - when they lack employment or any source of income.

According to the IDS report, 6396 of youth do not have an income, and many rely on social grants. Grants provide temporary relief but perpetuate their dependence on the state, evident in the high proportion of youth, specifically those aged 15 to 34 years, who constitute 60% of applicants for the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, as reported by the SA Social Services Agency (Sassa).

Feelings of hopelessness and lack of self-worth have been expressed by a number of young people.

The scramble for food, shelter, and identity has left young people in tur moil. As a result, they are often trapped in precarious situations, increasing the likelihood of resorting to unorthodox and illegal methods to survive.

Police Minister Bheki Cele said, “High rates of unemployment and poverty levels, the mushrooming of Informal settlements with little to no services and other socio-economic ills breed criminality."

According to the SA College for Applied Psychology, one in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance-use problems. These numbers are rising daily.

On the macro level, we see cash injections by the government and the NDA working with the Youth Employment Service (YES) and other interventions, but even with them, the dire and urgent situation persists. An Intersectional approach is needed.

First, the state needs to tell the truth about the extent of the crisis. Second, an all-hands-on-deck approach is needed, involving corporate, government and developmental sector stakeholders and, most importantly, the youth.

This approach necessitates collaboration and the recognition of the vital importance of youth participation.

With a collective mindset, we can weave a tapestry of support, ensuring that no young person gets left behind.