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For a large number of young South Africans, the job search process involves financial costs, as expenses for transport, internet, and document processing create additional obstacles on the path to employment.

The job search has become an independent activity for millions of unemployed young people, requiring time, effort, sacrifice, and emotional resilience, without guaranteeing a salary. Against the backdrop of one of the world's highest youth unemployment rates, new research and expert opinions reveal a harsh reality: many young people spend money they do not have in pursuit of opportunities that may never materialize.

Scale of the Unemployment Crisis

According to Statistics South Africa, in the first quarter of 2026, approximately 4.7 million people aged 15 to 34 were unemployed. Furthermore, nearly 70% of young South Africans remain unemployed when using an expanded definition of unemployment.

The Financial Aspect of Job Searching

A study conducted by the youth advocacy organization Youth Capital showed that young South Africans spend an average of 1469 rand per month searching for employment. These expenses include 700 rand for transport, 441 rand for internet, and 328 rand for application-related costs. The organization noted that the cost of job searching has significantly increased compared to the previous average of 938 rand recorded in earlier studies.

These expenses often force people to sacrifice basic needs. Youth Capital found that 85% of respondents reported having to choose between buying food and looking for work, and seven out of ten relied on relatives to finance the search process.

Problems with Government Programs

The study's findings echo concerns raised by Build One South Africa (BOSA) during an inspection of the Regional E Youth Advisory Centre in Johannesburg. BOSA found that the youth support centre was effectively unable to function because the key position responsible for program implementation had remained vacant for over a year. A BOSA representative, Graham Charteris, stated that government programs intended to help youth are often evaluated based on activity levels rather than actual impact.

He emphasized that municipalities should report how many young people find jobs, complete skills training, enroll in higher education, or remain employed after receiving support, not just the number served monthly.

Economic and Structural Barriers

Budget analyst Mathdiso Lenkoasa believes that South Africa's economic structure continues to let down its youth. She stated that unemployment statistics point to an economy that has failed to create jobs for the majority of the population, especially the youth. Lenkoasa also expressed concern over the growing normalization of youth unemployment, noting that structural problems are not being solved despite mentions in speeches and conferences.

She criticized South African policy, arguing that it is insufficiently focused on creating jobs at the scale necessary to absorb millions of unemployed young people, pointing to a gap between policy discussion and the real experience of young residents.

Socio-Geographical Burden

The problem is exacerbated by spatial inequality in South Africa. The Youth Capital study showed that many young people live far from economic centers and spend significant amounts on travel for interviews and workplaces because available housing does not align with job concentration areas. The report notes that for some low-income workers, transport costs can consume up to 80% of their earnings, making self-employment financially unsustainable.

Economists warn that weak economic development continues to undermine job creation, condemning applicants to a cycle of financial hardship and unemployment. Furthermore, prolonged unemployment, Youth Capital established, contributes to the development of stress, anxiety, and depression among youth, while constant rejections and lack of feedback from employers cause feelings of disappointment and exclusion from the economy.

The Paradox of Experience and Solutions

The study also revealed a paradoxical situation: employers demand experience, while eight out of ten unemployed young people have never had a job. Lenkoasa insists that the solution lies not only in expanding youth programs but also in fundamentally transforming the economy to create more jobs. She concluded that economic policy must stimulate job creation and invest in industries that genuinely generate employment in the country.

Thus, against the backdrop of record youth unemployment in South Africa, it becomes clear that the younger generation bears the burden not only of unemployment but also of having to pay for the job search process itself—including transport, data, and dignity—while waiting for an opportunity that may never come.

Tense labor relations have emerged in the province of KwaZulu-Natal due to allegations of worker exploitation and improper labor practices. These accusations have triggered confrontations between Labour Action Committees and Communities (LACO) and local businesses.

LACO's Activities and Protests

Confrontations by LACO with businesses began at the start of this year, primarily in Pietermaritzburg and other areas of KwaZulu-Natal. The organization raised concerns regarding unfair working conditions, unsafe workplaces, unpaid overtime, and the hiring of illegal foreign nationals.

LACO conducted visits and protest actions at establishments such as Daymed Private Hospital, SuperSave, Save Hyper, a furniture factory in Edenvale, YCH, Checksave, Phoenix Cash and Carry, Shoprite, and Kara Nichha's.

Business Community's Reaction

LACO's campaign drew criticism from business organizations. They asserted that LACO's methods bordered on intimidation and insisted that labor disputes must be resolved through established legal channels.

By June, LACO claimed its campaign had helped approximately 4,500 South Africans find jobs, though this figure has not been independently verified.

Warning from Chamber of Commerce Leadership

Melanie Vaneess, CEO of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Commerce, issued a stern warning to employers, defending lawful labor processes and strongly criticizing the activities of the LACO group.

She emphasized the chamber's stance on fair employment practices, stating that they always support the priority of South Africans in employment. Vaneess added that she would never endorse or cover up any unethical actions or unfair labor practices by any business, and membership would be revoked if such behavior was discovered.

Legal Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

Vaneess detailed the formal legal framework available to workers whose rights have been violated. She noted that South Africa possesses structured dispute resolution systems. Workers must first follow internal complaint procedures. If internal processes are exhausted, they can approach the CCMA or the Union Council (if unionized).

Subsequently, if no resolution is found, a Certificate of No Resolution is issued, after which there remains the option of arbitration, striking (interest disputes), or filing a case in the Labour Court (rights disputes).

Criticism of LACO's Methods

Central to her remarks was the role of LACO, which she characterized extremely negatively, questioning its legitimacy and methods. Vaneess labeled them 'thugs,' members of a self-appointed citizen group who carry out law enforcement in their community without legal authority.

She suggested that while the organization positions itself as a defender of workers' rights, broader concerns exist regarding its motives, noting that they are, in her view, politically motivated and promoting a populist agenda ahead of elections.

Allegations of Blackmail and Interference

Vaneess also mentioned reports that LACO representatives attempt to extort large sums of money from businesses under the threat of negative public information and prolonged business closure. While acknowledging that violations may occur in some places, she cautioned against generalizations and unauthorized interference.

She stated that most targeted businesses are excellent employers, and many of LACO's claims against business members are unfounded. Vaneess insisted that labor disputes must be settled exclusively through legally recognized institutions, as external groups do not possess statutory authority to intervene.

Recommendations and Legal Norms

Referencing South African labor legislation, Vaneess pointed to Chapter VII of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, which stipulates that dispute resolution and collective bargaining are limited to officially recognized parties, such as employees, employers, trade unions, and employer organizations. In light of this, she advised employers to completely avoid engaging with LACO.

Furthermore, she warned that disclosing confidential company information to unauthorized parties could expose the business to legal risks under data protection laws. Compliant companies could violate the POPIA act by providing confidential information to individuals who do not have the legal right to receive it.

Appeal to Law Enforcement

Vaneess strongly urged escalating any threats or intimidation against businesses to law enforcement agencies. She stressed that threats to close a business are illegal and must be reported to the SAPS to initiate a case.

At the same time, she encouraged the use of legal channels to report alleged violations. Citizens should report companies to the relevant authorities—the Department of Labour and the Department of the Interior—so they can investigate and resolve issues fairly and legally.

Economic Consequences

According to Vaneess, such interventions have already affected many areas of the region, including Greytown, where some local shops were forced to close for two to three days, causing damage to businesses and the economy. She concluded with a warning about broader economic consequences if investor confidence is undermined, noting that such politically affiliated organizations, instead of creating jobs, harm the province's reputation, reduce business confidence, and make the region unattractive to investors, thereby hindering necessary growth and leading to job losses in the medium and long term.