Eastern Cape – Youth unemployment remains a critical issue in South Africa, posing a significant threat to the nation’s future if not addressed. Siya Mama, the spokesperson for Cry of the Xcluded, vividly highlighted the growing desperation and frustration among young South Africans. Around 45% of the youth are unemployed—an alarmingly high rate that demands immediate action.
This issue, compounded by systemic inequalities, exclusion, insufficient support for job seekers and entrepreneurs, and other social challenges, not only undermines the potential of young people but also intensifies concerns about the nation’s stability and overall well-being.
“If something’s not done soon, we’re going to have some form of an uprising on our hands. There are events to cite about this, one being the 2021 July unrest, where the poor were getting into shops to take food. Even last year, there have been situations in the Eastern Cape, where you find at least two women dying of suicide and their kids as well, because of the crisis of hunger that we face in this country.”
“In towns like Nelson Mandela Bay, about 108 children are being diagnosed with malnutrition and stunting and are being hospitalised for this, while at least ten people die of this crisis. So, this situation is quite desperate and needs a serious, genuine intervention.”
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How Can We Combat the Disadvantages of South African Youth?
As we observe Youth Month, we must recognise the challenges many young South Africans face. Moreover, June honours the courageous actions and sacrifices of young South Africans who played a pivotal role in dismantling apartheid and shaping democratic South Africa.
Yet, reflecting on the past 30 years reveals that the dreams and aspirations of our former heroes are still unmet today. While it’s easy to critique the youth for a perceived lack of effort, Siya reassures us that they work tirelessly.
“Young people do look for jobs. The youth are looking for jobs. A study by Youth Capital shows that the youth spend almost R3,000 just looking for work. So this is a crisis that is unfolding in this country.”
Given the severe stagnation, despair, and hopelessness faced by young people seeking employment, Siya’s organisation urges the newly formed Government of National Unity to take decisive action.
Their demands include enacting economic policies that stimulate job creation, support local and small businesses, and provide skills training and development for young South Africans.
Additionally, they advocate for developing a reindustrialisation program that can create jobs, enshrining the right to work in the constitution, and implementing a wealth tax to fund a basic income grant for the youth.
This grant is envisioned as a safety net for the poor and marginalised young people struggling with unemployment and actively seeking job opportunities. It aims to mitigate the current poverty crisis by providing immediate financial relief while pursuing longer-term solutions for job creation and economic stability.
“People are spending money looking for work, but there’s no work. At the same time, you face a serious crisis of hunger and malnutrition. What, then, do you do? I mean, even now, even the nature of work and what working culture looks like, you’re lucky to have a contract that lasts more than three months.”
“What then do you do? A basic income grant. It is an idea that we need and needs to be implemented. At the same time, other measures for reindustrialisation are being looked at.”
