The dawn of democracy raised hope for many previously disadvantaged South Africans. It symbolised a chance to rebuild and to set a new dawn for many of those South Africans and their families. It also set a chance to try bandaging the wounds that had been bleeding for a long time under apartheid. People believed that doors of opportunities were going to open to alleviate the burden from many households that lived below the poverty line. What we see today are huge statistics of youth unemployment and this has become the biggest threat and challenge.
According to the Statistics SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2022, the graduate unemployment rate was relatively low in SA compared to those of other educational levels, while youth unemployment continues to be a burden, irrespective of educational attainment, and seemingly a very dangerous threat to democracy. .
However, even though it is hard for the economy to absorb the youth into job opportunities, the little that the government is doing needs to be complimented. Initiatives such as temporary employment opportunities like education assistant positions at schools as well as internship opportunities to gain work-related experience put young graduates in good stead as far as creating opportunities for employment is concerned. Notwithstanding the fact that these opportunities provide hope and are temporary relief.
Due to high inflation, the current food basket is higher in price than in the past and therefore for many of us to survive, a “side-hustle” is an alternative that will go a long way in bringing in additional income to many. The “side-hustle industry” is widening and becoming more rewarding especially to those who are unemployed and are seeking a way to look after their families. While we take the “side-hustle” notion lightly, imagine how well the country’s economy would grow if more people branched into businesses. This notion concurs with what the president said in his 2022 state of the nation address, that the government does not provide employment, but businesses do.
A “side-hustle” is not limited to selling but also to providing a service, extending it even beyond the borders. Over the last few years, young South Africans have discovered ways of using the internet to gain lucrative livelihoods. While others look at crypto-currency and foreign investments, there is an increase of others who are carving their niche in teaching online or becoming social media influencers. With the rate of unemployed graduates being so high, this teaching option is becoming an alternative route, especially with the basic certification being a degree in any field of study and an understanding of the language at a native level, of which South African citizens are regarded as native speakers. In addition, a Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate is an added advantage.
While it may look like a viable solution, it also comes at cost considering the fact that some have studied for different careers but are forced by circumstances to ditch their passion in the name of earning a living far from home.
Having detailed the suffering faced by graduates, this raises a question on the advantages of obtaining a qualification as a means of tackling poverty. Getting employed goes far beyond the borders of SA. This may look like a solution to financial struggles, however, having something meaningful to do will also address other social issues such as suicide-related deaths as a result of depression and anxiety emerging from being unemployed.
- Novukela is an intern in communications at the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development. She writes in her personal capacity
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