Abstract
The issue of unemployment, particularly youth unemployment in South Africa, remains a serious concern that ultimately significantly impacts the well-being of many young Black men and women in marginalised communities. The study focuses on the impact of unemployment amongst young men in township communities and their self-reliant survival strategies. As a result of high unemployment levels, many unemployed young Black men in areas such as Doornkop, in Soweto, turn to the informal sector to make ends meet in the absence of formal job opportunities. The unemployed men often resort to self-reliance, which has re-emerged in post-apartheid South Africa in the form of ukuphanda (hustling). Specifically, the study examined their survival strategies and how they continue to generate income despite being unemployed. Furthermore, it explored the socio-economic conditions, support systems, constraints and challenges young men rely on and face to sustain their self-reliant activities. To explore these issues, the study employed a qualitative methodological approach and used a semi-structured interview guide and approach to identify key themes. The study findings reveal that unemployed young men face labelling, stigma, and social exclusion due to their unemployment status. Additionally, the study highlights the presence of hegemonic masculinities, gendered expectations and financial pressures in romantic relationships, where women typically view employed men as desirable and unemployed men as undesirable, resulting in unemployed men feeling marginalised, excluded, and unable to pursue romantic relationships. Furthermore, the study shows that the hustling (ukuphanda) efforts of these unemployed young men are often devalued and viewed negatively by the community. However, the study significantly demonstrates that many unemployed young Black men of Doornkop prefer self-employment over formal employment due to the sense of independence and autonomy it provides. Finally, the study revealed that many young men have become disappointed and lost trust in the government due to their protracted and ongoing unemployment situation.