Abstract
Youth unemployment is a major global problem that affects developing as well as developed nations such as South Africa. It is characterised by a high unemployment rate among those between the ages of 18 and 35, which can lead to poverty, social instability, and a rise in criminal conduct. Youth unemployment is caused by a number of factors including a lack of skills, lack of education, sluggish economic growth, and limited access to opportunities. In South Africa, where 30% of young people are without employment, historical injustices, societal obstacles, and weak economic growth are key causes of youth unemployment. To promote social cohesion and economic development, it is essential to address this problem.
The eThekwini Municipality has launched several local initiatives such as furniture manufacturing programmes, that involve young people and are intended to support local economic growth. However, the youth in some eThekwini Municipality townships, which include Ward 107, are not benefiting from the municipality's interventions. Their minimal involvement in and benefit from development programmes are linked to a number of problems such as insufficient support networks, poor communication strategies, and misinformation.
This study explored possible LED methods to mitigate youth unemployment, particularly in Ward 107 of the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, where it is particularly high. The study used a qualitative research methodology and gathered primary data through in-depth semi-structured interviews with important community stakeholders.
A wide range of participants was interviewed, including three members of the ward committee, the ward councillor, a community development worker, and fifty unemployed youth from Ward 107. In addition, secondary data from reports acquired via the eThekwini Municipality Strat Hub and Youth Development Office were included. Purposive sampling was applied to select participants and ensure that individuals with relevant knowledge of the topic were interviewed. Thematic analysis was applied to examine the data.
The study found that young people in Ward 107 of the eThekwini Municipality do not have access to meaningful LED opportunities to aid their economic development and help reduce youth unemployment. In addition, there is a lack of ward-based LED...