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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)
Certainly! Let's address each of the points raised: ### 1. Define the term unemployment and state ONE reason for unemployment. **Unemployment** is defined as the state of being able and willing to work, actively seeking employment, but unable to find work. **One reason for unemployment** is **economic recession**, which leads to a decrease in demand for goods and services, subsequently resulting in reduced hiring by companies or layoffs. ### 2. Mention FOUR psychological impacts of unemployment on school-going youths. 1. **Depression**: Prolonged unemployment can lead to feelings of hopelessness and sadness. 2. **Anxiety**: Uncertainty about the future and financial instability can cause significant anxiety. 3. **Low Self-esteem**: Lack of employment can lead to a feeling of worthlessness and diminished self-worth. 4. **Stress**: The pressures of financial strain and the societal stigma attached to unemployment can lead to high levels of stress. ### 3. Indicate the importance of making proper subject choices at grade 10 for you to succeed in the pursuance of your post-school destinations. 1. **Alignment with Career Goals**: Choosing subjects relevant to your desired career path helps in acquiring the necessary fundamental knowledge and skills. 2. **Qualification Requirements**: Proper subject choices ensure you meet the prerequisites needed for higher education or training programs related to your chosen career. ### 4. Differentiate between part-time jobs and informal jobs as mechanisms to deal with unemployment. - **Part-Time Jobs**: These are positions where individuals work fewer hours than full-time employees and often receive consistent schedules and job benefits. They provide formal work experience and potential references. - **Informal Jobs**: These jobs are often temporary and lack formal contracts or benefits, such as street vending or casual labor. They may not provide formal work experience but offer flexibility and immediate income opportunities. ### 5. Clarify how finding yourself in an unsatisfactory work environment could eventually result in you being unemployed. 1. **Job Dissatisfaction**: Persistent dissatisfaction may lead to decreased job performance, lack of motivation, and potential job loss. 2. **Resignation**: Continuous exposure to an unsatisfactory environment might compel an individual to quit without securing another job, leading to periods of unemployment. ### 6. Explain how getting poor results in grade 12 could result in you pursuing careers you don't actually have interest in. 1. **Limited Educational Opportunities**: Poor results may restrict access to preferred academic courses or colleges, limiting career choices to less desired fields. 2. **Job Market Constraints**: With limited qualifications, individuals might be forced to accept any available job, rather than a job aligning with their interests or passion, leading to job dissatisfaction. ### 7. Analyse how volunteering in certain work settings could provide opportunities for future employment in similar work environments. 1. **Skill Development**: Volunteering helps develop relevant skills and gain practical experience. 2. **Networking**: Establishing connections with professionals in the field can lead to references and job offers. 3. **Proving Capability**: Demonstrating your commitment and effectiveness in a volunteer role can make you a preferred candidate for paid positions. 4. **Understanding Industry**: Gaining insider knowledge about industry practices can better prepare you for future roles. ### 8. Assess how the normalization of corruption could contribute to high levels of unemployment among the youth. 1. **Unfair Recruitment Practices**: Corruption can lead to hiring based on bribes rather than merit, which excludes competent candidates. 2. **Resource Misallocation**: Funds intended for job creation programs may be misappropriated, reducing available opportunities. 3. **Demotivation**: Young people might feel disillusioned and demotivated if they perceive that connections and bribes are more critical than qualifications. 4. **Stagnant Economy**: Widespread corruption can deteriorate the overall business climate, leading to reduced investment and job creation. ### 9. Recommend ways in which young people could make themselves more attractive to potential employers and further indicate how that could benefit the workplace. 1. **Acquiring Relevant Skills**: Enroll in courses and certifications that match industry demands, such as IT, finance, or healthcare, to make themselves job-ready. - **Benefit**: Employers receive employees equipped with updated and specialized skills. 2. **Networking and Professionalism**: Attend industry networking events, maintain a professional online presence, and seek mentorship. - **Benefit**: Connectivity and professionalism can lead to innovative ideas and a positive work culture. 3. **Gaining Experience**: Take up internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer positions to gain relevant work experience. - **Benefit**: Experienced new hires require less training and can contribute to productivity sooner. By taking these steps, youth can enhance their employability while also contributing meaningfully to potential employers and the overall economy.
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