South Africa is in dire need of a feasible solution to the ever-present challenge of youth unemployment, workforce solutions provider Manpower South Africa MD Lyndy van den Barselaar says.

“To create a future workforce that is in line with the country’s needs in terms of required skills for existing and growing industries, it is important that the issue of youth unemployment and upskilling remains a keen focus for all,” Van den Barselaar noted.

She pointed out that it was not an issue government could rectify without the aid of multinational, national and local organisations pulling together to make strides towards correcting the situation before it worsened. “South Africa’s current youth employment landscape requires joint efforts from the public and private sectors and national and provincial government if a notable change is to be made.

“We see growing opportunities being created for the youth to pursue primary, secondary and tertiary education in South Africa, and it is important that this trend is carried over into the evolving business landscape,” she said.

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Risk 2014 report found that South Africa had the third-highest unemployment rate in the world for people between the ages of 15 and 24.

This report stated that 52% of young people in South Africa were unemployed – four times the figure for sub-Saharan Africa. It also identified Spain and Greece as countries with a similar unemployment rate.

Although South Africa’s unemployment rate, like Greece’s, was sitting at 25%, Greece had been in an economic recession for the past six years, while South Africa experienced five years of growth – albeit rather minimal.

Statistics South Africa also noted that South Africa’s youth unemployment rate rose from 32.7% to 36.1% between 2008 and 2014, making it higher than adult unemployment, which placed the country in a more precarious position than its counterparts.

It was estimated that, in emerging markets, two-thirds of the youth were not fulfilling their economic potential. “Young people who find themselves jobless after leaving school, not only grow dissatisfied and frustrated with their circumstances, but their country as a whole. This kind of frustration does not aid national morale or a young person’s self-confidence. Our youth can no longer remain as stored potential,” she stressed.

OUTLOOK
“Positive hiring intentions were evident in the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey for the first and second quarter of the year and, if this trend persists, we will soon see a gradual decline in our youth unemployment rate,” Van den Barselaar noted, adding that developing the necessary skills and knowledge among the youth would not only facilitate increased youth employment, but would also assist in the fight against poverty and inequality in South Africa.

“It is important for organisations to offer internships or graduate programmes to bridge the gap between the schooling and working environment and assist young people in gaining work experience to aid in their job hunting.

“If we want to see our economy developing, we need to invest in empowering and employing our youth as soon as they leave school,” she added.

“Additionally, it is imperative that our youth, their mentors, guardians and teachers stay informed about how the country’s business landscape is evolving and what skills are in demand.

“This will assist them in making the most of any opportunities and ensuring that young people are able to make informed learning and career decisions that will not only shape their future, but the future of the South African economy and workforce,” she concluded.