POLOKWANE – South Africa’s unemployment rate rose to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2023 and is among the highest in the world.
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), this is an increase of 0,2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2022.
The increase comes after the country’s employment rate declined for four consecutive quarters last year with the youth of South Africa bearing the brunt of the increase.
The Polokwane Observer took to the streets to ask young people about what are they currently doing to curb the rate of unemployment:
Arnold Nkuna: I believe that young people can decrease the rate of unemployment only if they implement the concepts or ideas that they have and try by all means to start their own businesses with the little that they have. However, before they start any business, they must do proper research about it. I am currently selling atchar and I have my own brand where I sell jerseys and I also sell my own books.Edward Lekgau: The level of unemployment in South Africa is increasing badly and one needs to stand up and do something about it as opportunities have eyes. With the unemployment rate increasing, I decided to implement and form my two online stores and a kota business.Pageant Girl Closet was established in early 2022 and specialises in selling pageant clothes and shoes. I started this business because I am a pageant guru.Always start something that aligns with your personality. Jay Eel Fragrance was also established in 2022 and includes my skincare product. My other business venture the Food Villa by Jazzy was established this year.Mahlatse Mailula: It is painful to see young people struggling because of lack of job opportunities but other than that, I always say we are living in the forth industrial revolution where one can find information at their fingertips. So instead of waiting for the government to provide, start something and push with it. I currently own a small scale cheese making company called Latteria Delish and it is my source of income.Mokwela Promis: Even though the unemployment rate may be high, I am not really affected as I am currently working hard to ensure that there is bread on the table. I have my own, small, multimedia company where I provide services such as photography, videography, print t-shirts, do copies and print outs, graphic designs and emailing. I also help students with university and collages applications and many more things. Besides that, I also try by all means to employ people from my community as I work closely with them.For more breaking news follow us on FacebookTwitter Instagram or join our WhatsApp group
