Unemployment experiences in context: A phenomenological study in two townships in South Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the unemployment experience of residents of a historically disadvantaged South African neighbourhood . Informants were twelve black community members (females = 75%; age ranges: 20 to 29 = 58 .3%, and 30 to 39 = 33 .3%) . Individual interviews were conducted with the participants . Thematic analysis of the data revealed that participants valued employment despite their present unemployment . They indicated that being unemployed is a painful experience, but that they also held an optimistic view of a future in which they would have employment . The findings further suggest that diminished social support by the community and public social welfare agencies aggravate negative experiences of unemployment . Employment support programmes are needed to connect the unemployed to job networks; as well as to empower those who are unemployed to fulfil their positive work participation expectations .

The Implementation and Evaluation of the South African Adaptation of the JOBS Program

“…Bearing in mind that 75% (18% longer than a year, 31% between 2 and 5 years, and 26% longer than 5 years) of the current study’s sample have been unemployed for longer than 12 months, severe feelings of discouragement, hopelessness, and a lack of personal control may occur. A qualitative study conducted among the unemployed in South Africa testified that due to abundant unsuccessful job-search efforts, the unemployed often develop a passive attitude and a sense of learned helplessness ( Du Toit et al, 2018 ).…”

“…They also had to show an adequate understanding of English. Participants from the same regions, who previously participated in an unemployment research conducte by Du Toit et al (2018) and Van der Vaart et al (2018) were contacted to participate. From the 867 participants previously involved one of the studies ( Van der Vaart et al, 2019 ) only 354 met our inclusion criteria.…”

“…From the 867 participants previously involved one of the studies ( Van der Vaart et al, 2019 ) only 354 met our inclusion criteria. An additional 60 people, who were previously involved in the study conducted by Du Toit et al (2018) were approached to participate. The identified people were contacted, via telephone.…”

A systematic literature review of the implementation and evaluation of the JOBS programme: A suggested framework for South Africa

“…Also, the unemployed are generally situated in rural areas isolated from major economic activity. With limited job opportunities, jobseekers feel discouraged, and deprived of a chance to compete in the labour market (Du Toit et al 2018). Fortunately, the JOBS programme is specifically designed to deal with such conditions, yet it http://www.sajems.org Open Access remains important to be cognisant of the impact of contextual factors on potential participants' state of mind.…”

antecedents of University Students' Entrepreneurship Intention. The Theory of Planned Behaviour Viewpoint

“…As Africa remains increasingly challenged with high unemployment, researchers are increasing their efforts to find ways of combating the trend. In that strive, several remedies have been suggested, namely the obliteration of nepotism, favoritism, and enforcing good governance practice (Du Toit et al, 2018;Mainali, 2019;Yasin et al 2019;Desta, 2019). Further, the literature suggests providing adequate support for entrepreneurs (Gwija et al, 2014), and intensive entrepreneurship education across all schooling levels (Nchu, 2015;Enombo 2015).…”