Browsing by Author "Mokgohloa, Dolores"
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- ItemViews and experiences of unemployed youth graduates : a case study of the Polokwane area, Limpopo Province, South Africa(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006-04) Mokgohloa, Dolores; Kritzinger, A. S.; Van Aswegen, W. F.; Stellenbosch University. Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Sociology and Social Anthropology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Since 1995 unemployment among graduates in South Africa has increased significantly. While unemployment rates have increased across all racial groups it is especially African youth who carries the burden of unemployment. The Limpopo Province which has a predominantly rural African population was selected for this study as this province faces great challenges concerning unemployment among young graduates. A qualitative study was undertaken in the area of Polokwane in the Limpopo Province to explore the views and experiences of a group of unemployed youth graduates regarding their unemployed status. Using a case study research design semi-structured interviews were conducted with six unemployed youths (three male and three female) between the ages of 24 and 31 years. These participants hold national diplomas and degrees from South African universities and technikons. The findings of the study were analysed using Atlas.ti, which is a qualitative data analysis computer programme. The analysis of data showed that unemployed graduates come from poor family backgrounds, where they are expected to provide for their families and financially support their younger brothers and sisters to attend school. Some of the participants were found to be financially dependent on their parents and/or friends. Female participants who have children were found to be especially vulnerable given that the fathers of their children do not take financial responsibility for the children. Members of the communities in which the participants reside were reported to have negative reactions towards some of the participants when the latter are unable to find employment. Participants were found to have different views as to whether their qualifications are indeed marketable within the South African context and some were of the opinion that the institutions they attended had a negative influence on their marketability. According to participants the causes of unemployment amongst graduates were lack of work experience, high population and low economic growth, redeployment, lack of networks in the workplace, lack of interview skills, lack of career guidance and failure of workplaces to implement affirmative action. Regarding possible effects of unemployment it was found that participants experience low morale, frustration and low self-esteem. It emerged from the study that participants are informed about programmes that aim to address the problem of unemployment among young graduates. These interventions were said to be only temporary solutions and participants do not regard them as being successful in addressing unemployment. It was revealed that the Government Youth Fund is not delivering services to poor rural youth who want to start their own businesses. It is suggested that future research focuses on the evaluation of programmes that aim to address youth unemployment and examines whether higher education is providing careers which are in demand in the labour market.