In early 2025, South Africa’s youth unemployment has hit staggering levels, with six out of ten individuals aged between 15 and 24 unable to secure employment. When factoring in discouraged job seekers who have stopped actively searching, the overall unemployment rate among youth reaches 42%. While these numbers point to a severe economic and social issue, the reasons behind persistent joblessness are more nuanced than a lack of available work.
Despite a range of initiatives introduced by both the government and private sector such as entry-level positions, apprenticeships, and internship programs many young South Africans either remain unemployed or opt to leave the workforce altogether. At the heart of this trend lies a deeper dissatisfaction with the quality of employment on offer, as well as changing expectations about what a job should provide.
When Dignity Matters More Than a Paycheck
Contrary to the assumption that any job is better than none, a growing number of young South Africans reject or walk away from jobs that are seen as degrading or unfulfilling. For many, employment should be a pathway toward building a future, not just a short-term solution for survival. They argue that jobs must offer a sense of purpose, respect, and fair treatment qualities often missing in low-wage roles.
Young workers have expressed that they seek positions that offer more than just income. They want roles that value their contributions, foster growth, and allow them to envision a better future. When these needs are not met, even a paying job can become a source of frustration and disillusionment.
The Harsh Reality of Exploitative Workplaces
A key factor driving youth rejection of employment opportunities is the prevalence of exploitative working conditions. Many workers report being subjected to delayed salaries, arbitrary deductions, and a lack of formal employment contracts even after years of service. Benefits such as paid leave and health insurance are often absent, leaving workers vulnerable and unsupported.
Former employees describe how they left such environments because the strain of working under these conditions outweighed the benefits. The sentiment that employment should help build a future, not drain one’s energy and resources, resonates with many. For some, starting a small business or exploring informal work becomes a more appealing option, even if it comes with financial risks.
Discrimination and Disrespect Fuel Job Rejection
In addition to poor working conditions, many young South Africans cite mistreatment in the workplace as a major reason for leaving jobs. Experiences of racial bias, verbal abuse, and a lack of recognition are all too common. These instances not only lower morale but also reinforce broader societal inequalities that youth are determined to resist.
For some, staying in such jobs means accepting a lack of dignity and self-worth. By walking away, they reclaim their agency and send a message that respect and fairness are non-negotiable. This choice is often misinterpreted as laziness but is, in reality, a stand against systemic abuse.
Low Pay Undermines Financial Independence
Even when young people manage to secure employment, many find that their wages are insufficient to cover basic needs. Full-time workers often struggle to support their families, pay for transport, or save for future goals like education and housing. Some even report being financially worse off while working, due to travel and meal expenses that consume most of their earnings.
This creates a cycle where employment fails to deliver the independence and progress it promises. As a result, many see no real advantage in holding onto such jobs and instead seek informal opportunities that may offer better immediate rewards.
The Weight of Family Expectations
Young South Africans, particularly men, often feel immense pressure to fulfill the role of breadwinner. In households where extended families depend on one person’s income, the expectation to provide is constant. When jobs do not pay enough to meet these responsibilities, disappointment and stress follow.
This unmet obligation pushes many to pursue alternative paths whether it be freelance work, gig opportunities, or informal trading that offer the potential for higher returns, even if they lack security. The decision to leave formal employment is not taken lightly, but is often driven by the desire to meet familial obligations more effectively.
The Link Between Job Quality and Career Choices
The current discourse around unemployment must expand to include the issue of job quality. While the creation of new jobs is essential, it is equally important to ensure those jobs are meaningful, secure, and fairly compensated. Young people increasingly emphasize the value of career development, respectful workplaces, and the chance to advance.
They believe that jobs should be stepping stones to a better life, not traps that stifle growth. Rejecting low-quality roles is, for many, a way to uphold self-respect and to resist being locked into cycles of poverty and dependence.
Building a Future That Works for Youth
Addressing youth unemployment in South Africa requires a shift in how work is defined and delivered. Beyond simply generating employment, strategies must prioritize ethical labor practices, improved job standards, and accessible pathways to entrepreneurship and skill development. This includes offering permanent contracts, fair wages, and fostering inclusive workplaces free of discrimination.
Empowering youth to find or create work that aligns with their values and ambitions will play a vital role in shaping a more equitable and prosperous society. It is not just about putting young people to work it is about ensuring that work works for them.