The Problem

High rates of unemployment in disadvantaged communities

In South Africa, townships or locations refer to the neighbourhoods on the outskirts of developed towns and cities. Historically, these areas are inhabited almost entirely by non-white people, who were not allowed by law to live in “Whites Only” suburbs. Now, many years after Apartheid collapsed, the situation in townships is slowly improving, but it is still far from perfect. There are townships with reasonable facilities, but also those without basic sanitation, water or electricity.

Unemployment is a huge problem in South Africa. Many people in the townships live in poverty because they are unable to find a job. In 2022, the unemployment rate is 63,9% for those aged 15-24 and 42,1% for those aged 25-34 years. Young people continue to be disadvantaged in the labour market with an unemployment rate higher than the national average.