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Question: Reason for and impact of unemployment More than two decades since South Africa's transition to democracy,young people continue to face significant challenges in their lives. One of those challenges is the persistently high rate of young people who are not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET),which has exceeded 30%for the past ten years, despite various private and public interventions aimed at addressing this situation. This translates to more than 3 million young people aged15 to 24 who are NEET. The significance of addressing this phenomenon cannot be overstated,as young people who are NEET are highly vulnerable in the labour market and are at risk of continued social exclusion, particularly when they have been NEET for alonger period of time. This has a potential to affect their social, emotional, psychological and economic well-being. Indeed, existing research demonstrate that prolonged disconnection from the labour market and education or training opportunities significantly increase the risks of enduring income poverty and mental health issues (Branson et Al.,2019;Gariépy et Al.,2021;Rahmani and Groot,2023). Admist these challenges,the South African school going youths continue to make poor decisions about subject combination. Interestingly,there are various support services in schools and communities to help them with proper subject choices,but most youths are just despondent they do not see any value in such services. As a result,these services are not meaningfully being used. For example,few youths consider volunteering,doing part time jobs,and or informal jobs , which are important adventure to make yourself attractive to potential employers. This creates serious challenge as potential employers prefer experienced individuals to be part of their staffers and this,then,cause youth apathy. This is even more pronounced in the context of the high prevalent rates of corruption and fraud. Many researchers have confirmed that corruption, indeed,plays a role in the manner in which aspirant employees are recruited. The tale does not end and it becomes worse year out. Despite the ongoing corruption in the recruitment processes,the youth could still make themselves attractive to potential employers. Not all employers are corrupt. There is evidence that certain companies still look for a particular set of skills that could improve their productivity. To them,it is all about the needed skills for their companies. At the end of it all , getting a job may have far reaching benefits to an individual. They usually say, getting employed completes your life meaning getting a job may transform your life and that of your family, friends, community and society. 1. Define the term unemployment and state ONE reason for unemployment.(2+1)(3) 2. Mention FOUR psychological impacts of unemployment on school going youths.(4×1)(4) 3. Indicate the importance of making proper subject choices at grade 10 for you to succeed in pursuance of your post school destinations.(2×1)(2) 4. Differentiate between part time jobs and informal jobs as mechanisms to deal with unemployment.(2×2)(4) 5. Clarify how finding yourself in an unsatisfactory work environment could eventually result in you being unemployed.(2×2)(4) 6. Explain how getting poor results in grade 12 could result in you pursuing careers you don't actually have interest in.(4×2)(8) 7. Analyse how volunteering in certain work settings could provide opportunities for future employment in similar work environments.(2×4)(8) 8. Assess how normalisation of corruption could contribute to the high levels of unemployment among the youth.(1×4)(4) 9. Recommend ways in which young people could make themselves more attractive to potential employers and further indicate how that could benefit the workplace.(2×3)(6)
1. Define the term unemployment and state ONE reason for unemployment. (2+1)(3) - **Unemployment:** Unemployment refers to the situation where individuals who are capable and willing to work are unable to find suitable job opportunities. - **One reason for unemployment:** A lack of relevant skills or education required by potential employers is a common reason for unemployment. 2. Mention FOUR psychological impacts of unemployment on school-going youths. (4×1)(4) - Increased anxiety and stress levels. - Development of depression or feelings of hopelessness. - Lowered self-esteem and self-worth. - Feelings of social isolation and exclusion. 3. Indicate the importance of making proper subject choices at grade 10 for you to succeed in pursuance of your post-school destinations. (2×1)(2) - Making proper subject choices at grade 10 helps align the students' educational track with their desired career paths, ensuring they meet the prerequisites for higher education programs. - Proper subject selection can also foster greater academic engagement and interest, leading to better performance and opportunities in the chosen field. 4. Differentiate between part-time jobs and informal jobs as mechanisms to deal with unemployment. (2×2)(4) - **Part-time jobs:** These are regular employment positions where individuals work fewer hours than full-time employees, often with set schedules and benefits such as part-time teacher or sales associate roles. - **Informal jobs:** These are typically unregulated and may lack legal protections or benefits, such as street vending or freelance work, often characterized by irregular work hours and income instability. 5. Clarify how finding yourself in an unsatisfactory work environment could eventually result in you being unemployed. (2×2)(4) - Job Dissatisfaction: If an individual finds the work environment toxic or unfulfilling, it may lead to decreased motivation and productivity, resulting in either voluntary resignation or termination due to not meeting job requirements. - Poor Performance: An unsatisfactory work environment can negatively impact an individual's mental health, causing stress or burnout, which may lead to frequent absenteeism or poor job performance, eventually resulting in unemployment. 6. Explain how getting poor results in grade 12 could result in you pursuing careers you don't actually have interest in. (4×2)(8) - Limited Options: Poor academic results may restrict access to preferred higher education institutions or courses, forcing students to enroll in programs they are less passionate about. - Misalignment of Interests: As students get pushed into available but less desirable career paths, they may end up in fields that do not align with their interests or strengths, leading to decreased job satisfaction and higher chances of unemployment or job switching. 7. Analyse how volunteering in certain work settings could provide opportunities for future employment in similar work environments. (2×4)(8) - Skill Development: Volunteering allows individuals to acquire and demonstrate relevant skills within a specific industry, making them more attractive to future employers. - Networking: Volunteering helps build professional connections and relationships with individuals and organizations in the desired field, opening doors for job referrals and opportunities. - Experience: Through volunteering, individuals gain practical work experience, making their resumes more competitive and showcasing their commitment and reliability. - Increased Visibility: Volunteering often leads to positive visibility within the industry, helping individuals get noticed for their potential and ability, increasing their chances of being hired. 8. Assess how normalization of corruption could contribute to the high levels of unemployment among the youth. (1×4)(4) - Nepotism: Corruption perpetuates favoritism and unfair hiring practices, where jobs are given based on connections rather than merit, sidelining qualified young job seekers. - Discouragement: Constant exposure to corrupt practices can discourage youths from vying for positions, as they perceive the system to be rigged against them. - Resource Misallocation: Corruption leads to inefficient allocation of resources meant for job creation and skills development programs, limiting opportunities for the youth. - Skill Mismatch: Corruption in education and training can result in a mismatch between the skills youths possess and the skills demanded by the labor market, contributing to unemployment. 9. Recommend ways in which young people could make themselves more attractive to potential employers and further indicate how that could benefit the workplace. (2×3)(6) - Recommendations: a. **Acquire Relevant Skills:** Pursue additional training, certifications, or online courses in areas of high demand to enhance skill sets and demonstrate commitment to continual learning. b. **Gain Experience:** Engage in internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering to gain practical work experience and demonstrate reliability and work readiness. - Benefits to the workplace: a. **Increased Competence:** Employees with relevant skills and experience can perform tasks more efficiently and effectively, boosting overall productivity. b. **Diversity and Innovation:** New recruits with varied backgrounds and fresh perspectives can contribute to innovative solutions and drive the company's competitive edge.
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