SA sees job growth, but it’s cold comfort for millions of unemployed youth left behind | Business
SA sees job growth, but it's cold comfort for millions of unemployed ... News24
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Unemployment Rate among South African Youth
The unemployment rate among young people aged 15 to 34 years in South Africa was 43.4% in the third quarter, compared to 45.3% in the second quarter, according to Statistics SA.
Impact on Economic and Social Development
This decline in the youth unemployment rate reflects the overall drop in the country’s unemployment rate. However, it is still concerning that almost half of the young population who should be economically active are without jobs.
Angelika Goliger, EY Africa’s chief economist, emphasized that “South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate has significant economic and social implications. The lack of job opportunities not only affects the prospects of young individuals but also limits the country’s potential to harness their skills, creativity, and innovation.”
Unemployment Rates by Age Group
The highest unemployment rates are observed among youth aged 15 to 24 years (58%) and 25 to 34 years (38.3%).
Stats SA reported that out of the 10.2 million young people aged 15 to 24 years, 3.3 million (32.7%) were not in employment, education, or training. This indicates that the youth remain vulnerable in the labor market.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Conclusion
In order to create a prosperous future, it is crucial for South Africans to address the high youth unemployment rate. This issue not only hinders individual prospects but also limits the country’s potential for economic growth and development.
By focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), South Africa can work towards providing more job opportunities for young people, empowering them to contribute to the country’s progress and prosperity.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
- SDG 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship
- SDG 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the following indicators:
- Unemployment rate of young people aged 15 to 34 years (43.4% in the third quarter)
- Unemployment rates for youth aged 15 to 24 years (58%) and 25 to 34 years (38.3%)
- Number of young people aged 15 to 24 years not in employment, education or training (3.3 million or 32.7% out of 10.2 million)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training | – Unemployment rate of young people aged 15 to 34 years – Unemployment rates for youth aged 15 to 24 years and 25 to 34 years |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship | – Number of young people aged 15 to 24 years not in employment, education or training |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality | – Unemployment rate of young people aged 15 to 34 years – Unemployment rates for youth aged 15 to 24 years and 25 to 34 years |
Based on the information provided in the article, the issues of high youth unemployment rates and the vulnerability of the youth in the labor market are connected to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The specific targets identified from the article’s content are SDG 8.6, SDG 4.4, and SDG 10.4. These targets aim to reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training, increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment, and adopt policies to achieve greater equality.
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets. These indicators include the unemployment rate of young people aged 15 to 34 years, unemployment rates for youth aged 15 to 24 years and 25 to 34 years, and the number of young people aged 15 to 24 years not in employment, education or training.
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Source: news24.com
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