The graduation season is here and those who will acquire their qualifications are set to join the unemployment gang and face the reality of being unemployed afterward. This comes after Statistics South Africa released their fourth Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) last week.
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Many find themselves back home without any source of income or the ability to fulfill their dreams after graduating. Unemployed graduate, Mmabatho Moroane, criticizes the government for the current rate of youth unemployment in the country
“We were sold a pipeline dream. Government promotes us to go to school and get the qualification but in the end, we end up being unemployed,” Moroane said
Some find themselves being compelled to go back to school and study further, due to limited opportunities after varsity. Another unemployed graduate fresh out of university, Ishmael Mabitshela, emphasizes that companies also have a role to play in ensuring they grant young graduates programs that will give them experience.
“I recently graduated with a qualification in Linguistics, but I am stuck because I lack the work experience expectancy. Why can’t the companies give graduate credit we are fresh from school. “Mabitshela.
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Not as many young citizens can get employment, only a few manage to get jobs that in some cases are not in line with what they have studied. Lebogang Mokweana, a college graduate who obtained her qualification in Mechanical engineering, is still struggling to find a job in her field of study. Mokweana was fortunate enough to find a job in work as a sales representative.
“We all have to do what we have to do, and I am not ashamed that I am working in another field of work but I have to put food on the table for me and my son. I am currently studying toward a law diploma at Unisa I hope for the best,” Mokweana said.
Even with the risk of being unemployed graduates turn back to school regardless of having no financial assistance but hoping to get a better job and earn enough money to take care of themselves and their families.
“I hope my second qualifications won’t leave me in another field of work again,” Mokweana added.
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The South-Africa statistics still rise as there are more graduates and high school dropouts who are looking for employment. The recent statistics of 2022 unemployment is expected to skyrocket, with more students set to graduate this year, and not guaranteed jobs after they acquire qualifications.
The global Covid-19 pandemic also influenced the unemployment rate in South Africa which includes people who stopped working. The percentage of the youth who are unemployed and job seekers from 15-24 years was unchanged at a record high of 66.5%
According to Stats SA unemployment rate per province.
- Eastern Cape – 53.2%
- Limpopo – 52.8%
- Mpumalanga – 52.4%
- Northern Cape – 50.1%
- North West – 49.9%
- KwaZulu Natal – 48.7%
- Gauteng – 44.4%
- Free State – 44.2%
- Western Cape – 30.4%
