.png)
May 8, 2014
In South Africa, the struggle with high unemployment remains one of the country's most pressing issues, particularly for young people. Despite the government’s ongoing efforts to provide skills development and training opportunities, the lack of available jobs continues to be a significant challenge. For young South Africans, especially those between the ages of 15 and 24, finding work has become an uphill battle.
At 24 years old, Makafane’s story is all too familiar. She moved to Johannesburg five years ago in search of a job but has struggled to find steady work. Despite her hopes of becoming a social worker, she couldn’t find the right opportunity and had to settle for piece jobs. Makafane’s story is not unique. In South Africa, unemployment stands at nearly 26%, and the situation is even more dire for young people. A staggering one in two South Africans aged 15 to 24 are unemployed. The lack of opportunities for youth, particularly women, remains a major challenge.
For Makafane, the challenge lies in the fact that many job opportunities require experience, something she doesn’t yet have. "Sometimes it’s difficult. You just have the matric certificate, you don’t have any computer skills or experience,” she says. This is a reality faced by many young job seekers in South Africa. Without work experience or specialized skills, entering the job market becomes almost impossible.
Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope for young South Africans like Makafane. Lulaway, a youth job center based in Johannesburg, is working to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. With 75 job centers across the country, Lulaway partners with various companies, including major corporations like McDonald’s and discount pharmacies, to provide entry-level job opportunities for young people.
Since its inception in 2012, Lulaway has helped place around 5,000 young people in permanent or contract jobs. These are individuals who are often fresh out of school or recently graduated, and Lulaway provides them with the opportunity to gain work experience. The center offers various screening tests to assess skills in numeracy, literacy, and work readiness, ensuring that the young candidates they place are well-prepared to enter the workforce.
Makafane believes that the government needs to do more to prepare school leavers for the job market. “These days there is a lot of technology. They must visit the rural areas, give students laptops or computers so they are better prepared,” she suggests. In rural communities, where access to technology is limited, giving young people the tools to navigate the digital world could make a significant difference in their ability to compete in the job market.
Makafane herself lives with her aunt in Johannesburg, as she cannot afford to return to her hometown in Limpopo. Her parents are already supporting her four younger siblings, and she knows that she must find work to support herself. Despite these challenges, Makafane remains hopeful. She believes that with the right support and opportunities, she will soon be able to find a job and create a better future for herself.
The struggle for young South Africans to find work is far from over, but organizations like Lulaway are making a tangible difference. By providing job placements and skills training, Lulaway is helping to open doors for young people who would otherwise have limited opportunities. However, more needs to be done, particularly by the government, to ensure that young people across the country are equipped with the tools and skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
As the unemployment rate continues to rise, South Africa’s youth are calling for more action. With the right support, training, and access to opportunities, these young South Africans could become the driving force behind the country’s economic recovery and growth. But for now, many remain hopeful, as they continue to navigate a tough job market in search of a brighter future.
.png)
.png)