Is skills development a panacea to youth unemployment in the post-apartheid South Africa? : a case study of eThekwini Municipality.

Abstract

This study investigates whether Skills Development is a panacea to youth unemployment in the post-apartheid South Africa? It utilizes the case study of eThekwini Municipality in ascertaining the levels of skills, experience and competencies of the unemployed young people. It is in this context that the study seeks to understand the barriers that are impeding young people in finding employment in the eThekwini Municipality. As a point of point of departure, the study investigates the relationship between the lack of skills among youth and unemployment levels. This assisted in establishing whether the skills in youth possession match the demand of the jobs available. Furthermore, the dissertation ascertains as to whether unemployed young people have undergone any training and skills development initiatives in equipping themselves. In a case where they have undergone training, the effectiveness of strategies implemented by the eThekwini Municipality in assisting unemployed young people towards finding jobs were evaluated. The findings of the study reveal that there is a need for revised skills development initiatives and continuous support on the side of the Municipality in helping young people to enter the labour market.