Unemployment still high: Young people and black women bear the brunt

Unemployment still high: Young people and black women bear the brunt! South Africa’s unemployment crisis remains a significant concern, with young people and Black women continuing to suffer the most, according to the latest figures from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). Despite a slight improvement in the overall jobless rate, disparities persist among different demographic groups.

Slight Drop in Unemployment

In the fourth quarter of 2024, South Africa’s unemployment rate dropped marginally by 0.2%, settling at 31.9%. This marks the lowest unemployment figure since the third quarter of 2023. While this reduction may seem encouraging on the surface, deeper issues remain as certain groups continue to be disproportionately affected.

Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke emphasized that the country’s jobless rate is still too high. “While we see a slight improvement, unemployment remains a significant challenge,” he said.

Young People Still Struggling

Young people remain one of the most vulnerable groups in the labor market. The youth unemployment rate (ages 15 to 24) continues to be alarmingly high, despite government efforts to create more job opportunities. Many young South Africans face barriers to entering the workforce, including limited experience, inadequate skills, and a lack of job availability.

These barriers have led to increased frustration among the youth, with many feeling disillusioned by the job market. Addressing youth unemployment has been a priority for government programs such as the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, but progress has been slow.

Black African Women Hit the Hardest

Among all demographic groups, Black African women are the most affected. Stats SA revealed that Black women have an unemployment rate of 38%, significantly higher than the national average of 31.9%.

“Black African women continue to be the most vulnerable within the unemployment bracket,” Maluleke said. “When we compare their unemployment rate with the national average, we see that they are relatively higher, indicating ongoing marginalization.”

The high unemployment rate among Black women reflects deeper structural issues within the economy. Many women in this group face limited access to education and skills development, compounded by social and economic inequalities. Gender-based discrimination in the workplace further exacerbates the problem.

Sectoral Shifts in Employment

Stats SA’s latest report also highlighted shifts in employment across various sectors. While some sectors—such as agriculture and manufacturing—saw small gains, others experienced job losses, particularly in sectors reliant on informal or temporary work. These fluctuations have made job security a significant concern for many South Africans.

Government Response

The South African government has pledged to address these disparities through various initiatives aimed at job creation and economic inclusion. Programs such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the Presidential Employment Stimulus have been implemented to provide short-term job opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups.

However, critics argue that these programs are not enough to address the long-term unemployment crisis. Economic experts have called for more comprehensive strategies, including education reforms, skills training, and greater support for small businesses and entrepreneurship.

The Role of the Private Sector

In addition to government efforts, private sector involvement is crucial in addressing unemployment. Many companies have introduced learnerships and internships to help young people gain work experience. Some businesses are also focusing on diversity and inclusion efforts to ensure that women, especially Black African women, have equal access to job opportunities.

Calls for Greater Urgency

Despite the small improvement in the overall unemployment rate, advocacy groups and labor unions are calling for greater urgency in addressing the crisis. They emphasize that reducing unemployment should remain a top priority, given its link to poverty, inequality, and social unrest.

A Long Road Ahead

While the slight drop in unemployment offers a glimmer of hope, South Africa still faces significant challenges in creating a more inclusive and equitable job market. The country’s young people and Black women continue to bear the brunt of unemployment, underscoring the need for targeted policies and long-term solutions.

Addressing these disparities will require a concerted effort from government, businesses, and civil society. Until meaningful change is achieved, many South Africans will continue to face an uphill battle in the search for employment.