Browsing by Author "Mashele, Yvonne"

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    An investigation of the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of youth in the labour market in the Limpopo province, South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-12) Mashele, Yvonne; Van Eeden, Amanda; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The ability of youth to become active participants in the labour market and to thrive and secure quality employment upon entry is a challenge and a growing concern in many countries. In Limpopo province and its local municipalities, joblessness, gender disparity, discouragement and inequality across population groups remain a challenge among youth in the labour market. The main aim of this study is to investigate the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of youth in the labour market across different geographical scales within the Limpopo province. The characteristics include age, gender, population group, educational status, employment sector and individual monthly income. In providing an overview of the characteristics of youth in the labour market, this study provides important information to planners and policymakers to understand the underlying demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the youth in the labour market. Descriptive statistics provided an overview of the characteristics whilst the relationships between labour market categories and demographic and socio-economic characteristics were established through regression, correlation and hotspot analysis. The results revealed that employed people accounted for a larger share at all geographical scales, than the unemployed and discouraged work-seekers. The majority were black African males between the ages of 30 and 35, who have obtained some secondary education, who were employed in the formal sector and earning between R801 and R1 600 per month. There were strong relationships established between all the demographic and socio-economic characteristics and individuals' employment status except age where the relationship was not significant. The hotspots (clustering of high values) for the employed white population were mainly main places within the Waterberg District while cold spots (clustering of low values) were mainly within the Vhembe and Mopani districts. Hotspots for the employed youth with some secondary as highest level of education were mainly main places within Waterberg, Mopani and Greater Sekhukhune districts, while the cold spots were mainly within the Capricorn District. There is currently no existing youth profile that explains the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of youth aged 15–35 in the labour market for Limpopo and hence, this study will contribute in this area. It will also provide sufficient evidence to inform policies and strategies that will address the unhealthy labour market, which consequently will assist towards the achievement of the National Development Plan (NDP) targets.