Abstract
In many countries, unemployment remains a significant development issue. Alongside the rise in poverty and inequality, unemployment has also increased in developing nations like South Africa. Unemployment is still a major policy issue facing the government and development stakeholders. Evidently, the primary sufferers of unemployment, especially in townships and rural areas, are young people with academic qualifications. This study was conducted with unemployed youth graduates in Motherwell Township, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
The main aim of this study was to explore the challenges faced by unemployed youth graduates’ perception of strategies to promote youth employment in Motherwell Township, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, as a case study.
The study used qualitative methodology. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to gather the data, which were then analysed thematically. The study consisted of 15 participants, 5 individuals in each sample, and 2 focus groups, each consisting of 5 unemployed youth graduates.
The results also point to several important factors and challenges of graduate unemployment. Lack of work experience, qualifications that do not match the demands of the labour market currently (labour market mismatch), financial limitations that restrict access to resources for job seekers, nepotism and discrimination during recruitment, and limited access to professional platforms and social networks (social capital) are some of these important factors and challenges.
The study recommends provision of opportunities for unemployed graduates, fair retirement and recruitment regulations should be implemented, local graduates should be given preference, youth-owned businesses should be supported, and unreasonable job entry requirements should be eliminated. It also emphasises how important it is to have open recruiting processes, unbiased selection procedures, and acceptance of graduate degrees to support youth empowerment and inclusion.
Besides, the study also recommends changes in curriculum, training in digital and entrepreneurial skills, and improved public-private collaborations as a way to match higher education curricula with industry demands. The practical readiness of graduates...