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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. (3)** Unemployment refers to the situation where individuals who are capable of working and are actively seeking work are unable to find employment. *One reason for unemployment*: Economic recession, which reduces the demand for goods and services, leading to reduced production and layoffs by companies. 2. **Mention FOUR psychological impacts of unemployment on school going youths. (4)** - Anxiety and stress about the future. - Loss of self-esteem and confidence. - Depression and feelings of hopelessness. - Social isolation and withdrawal from peer activities. 3. **Indicate the importance of making proper subject choices at grade 10 for you to succeed in pursuance of your post school destinations. (2)** - Choosing the right subjects that align with your interests and career goals can open pathways to higher education and vocational opportunities that match your aspirations. - Proper subject choices can enhance your skill set and knowledge base, making you more competitive and qualified for future job opportunities. 4. **Differentiate between part-time jobs and informal jobs as mechanisms to deal with unemployment. (4)** - *Part-time jobs*: These are positions where individuals work fewer hours than full-time positions, often with a fixed schedule and sometimes with benefits such as health insurance. - *Informal jobs*: These are typically jobs that are not regulated by formal contracts and labor laws, such as freelance work, gig economy jobs, or day labor, which offer flexibility but often lack job security and benefits. 5. **Clarify how finding yourself in an unsatisfactory work environment could eventually result in you being unemployed. (4)** - *Job dissatisfaction*: Feeling unfulfilled or unhappy in your job may lead to decreased productivity, lack of motivation, and poor performance, which could result in being laid off. - *Resignation*: Prolonged dissatisfaction and stress in a toxic work environment may push you to quit your job without securing alternative employment, contributing to unemployment. 6. **Explain how getting poor results in grade 12 could result in you pursuing careers you don't actually have interest in. (8)** - *Limited options*: Poor academic performance may lead to limited acceptance into preferred higher education programs, forcing you to choose less desired fields that are available to you. - *Compromise due to necessity*: In an attempt to secure any form of employment or further education, you might pursue a career path that you are less passionate about, simply because it is attainable with your grades. - *Reduced self-selection*: Lower grades may hinder your confidence in applying for competitive programs, redirecting you to settle for courses or careers that you haven't interest in. - *External pressure*: You may also face pressure from family, peers, or society to follow a career trajectory that is considered 'safe' or 'practical' despite your disinterest, due to limitations created by your academic results. 7. **Analyse how volunteering in certain work settings could provide opportunities for future employment in similar work environments. (8)** - *Skill development*: Volunteering allows you to acquire practical experience and develop skills relevant to your desired field, which can be attractive to future employers. - *Networking*: It provides opportunities to build professional relationships with individuals already working in the industry, which can lead to job referrals or recommendations. - *Visibility and reputation*: Volunteering showcases your passion, commitment, and work ethic, potentially leading to future job offers from organizations that value your contributions. - *Understanding of workplace culture*: Familiarity with the work environment through volunteering can increase your adaptability and readiness for similar roles, making you a favorable candidate for employers. 8. **Assess how normalisation of corruption could contribute to the high levels of unemployment among the youth. (4)** - *Unfair recruitment practices*: Corruption in hiring processes often results in jobs being awarded based on connections, bribes, or nepotism rather than merit, sidelining qualified young individuals. - *Erosion of trust*: Pervasive corruption reduces trust in institutions and discourages young people from pursuing opportunities within corrupt systems, leading to disengagement and increased unemployment. - *Resource allocation*: Public funds that could be used for youth development programs, education, and job creation initiatives may be misappropriated due to corruption, exacerbating unemployment. - *Business environment: Corruption can stifle economic growth by creating an unfavorable business climate, leading to fewer job opportunities as companies struggle or avoid investing in certain regions. 9. **Recommend ways in which young people could make themselves more attractive to potential employers and further indicate how that could benefit the workplace. (6)** - *Continuous learning and skills development*: Engaging in online courses, workshops, and certifications can enhance their skill set, making them more adaptable and innovative employees who can contribute to the organization’s growth and productivity. - *Networking and professional relationships*: Building a strong professional network through industry events, social media platforms like LinkedIn, and mentorship can lead to job opportunities and valuable connections that benefit both the individual and the employer through enhanced collaboration and a broader talent pool. - *Gaining relevant experience*: Participating in internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering allows young individuals to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate their capabilities, leading to a smoother transition into full-time roles and increased operational efficiency for employers.
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