Youth unemployment in South Africa: From unemployment to empowerment

Youth unemployment in South Africa remains one of the most pressing challenges faced by the country, with high rates impacting not just the economic sphere, but the personal identities and psychological well-being of its youth. Addressing this complex issue requires a holistic understanding of the interplay between psychological factors and employment transitions. Recently published in the African Journal of Career Development (AJCD), the article titled “The psychological factors influencing youth moving from unemployment to employment in South Africa” dives deep into this critical subject.

Authored by Daphne J. Pereira, Noorjehan Joosub, and Pieter Basson, this research highlights how internal drivers—like identity, motivation, and self-efficacy—shape young people’s ability to transition from unemployment to meaningful employment. Today, Daphne J. Pereira joins Editor-in-Chief Kobus Maree for an in-depth discussion of the study, sharing insights from the field and exploring actionable strategies to address youth unemployment through career development initiatives.

This interview provides valuable perspectives for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers alike, offering solutions rooted in the South African context while contributing to broader conversations about employment transitions on the continent.

Could you briefly introduce yourself and explain your main research interests, particularly in relation to the article you published in AJCD?
I am the Director of Career Development and Training at Options in Personnel, with over 30 years of experience in career development, recruitment, and employability training. My organisation is accredited by the QCTO to deliver the Occupational Certificate: Career Development Information Officer (NQF Level 5), a qualification we offer in parallel with our Workplace Preparation Skills Programme. My work is deeply rooted in empowering unemployed youth and retrenched workers through career planning, guidance, job search and work readiness programmes. My primary research interest lies in the psychological dimensions of career transition, specifically, how motivation, identity, and self-efficacy influence young people’s journey from unemployment to meaningful employment. This aligns closely with my published article in the AJCD, which explores these psychological factors within the South African context.

What inspired you to write this particular article? Was there a specific gap in the literature or need in practice that you hoped to address?
My inspiration stemmed from decades of practical engagement with unemployed youth across South Africa. While many initiatives focus on skills development, I saw a critical gap in addressing the psychological readiness of young people to enter the workforce. I wanted to explore how internal factors such as identity, confidence, and purpose played a role in their transition. I felt that the literature lacked a grounded South African perspective on these internal drivers, particularly during and after crises like COVID-19.

Can you summarise the key findings or messages of your article in a way that is accessible to a wider audience, including practitioners and students?
The study revealed that a young person’s psychological state, specifically their sense of identity, motivation, and self-worth, is as important as skills and qualifications in securing employment. Participants who transitioned successfully from unemployment often experienced a shift in how they saw themselves and their role in society. Employment was not just a means of earning income, it became a catalyst for personal transformation, restoring dignity and a sense of belonging.

How do you see the relevance of your research in the African context, particularly regarding career development challenges or innovations?
Africa faces some of the highest youth unemployment rates globally. In South Africa, systemic inequality, lack of access to information, and limited career guidance make the transition from education to employment particularly complex. My research underscores the need to complement technical and vocational training with psychosocial support, mentoring, and guidance towards career identity formation. This is crucial in contexts where unemployment is not just an economic issue but a deeply personal and societal one.

What was the most surprising or thought-provoking insight you gained during the course of your research?
One of the most profound insights was the transformation of identity that occurred after gaining employment. For the participants, employment fundamentally reshaped how they viewed themselves and their potential. It was not just about having a job; it was about self-discovery, the development of a positive self-concept, and becoming someone they had once thought beyond reach.

How can your findings inform policy development or practical interventions in schools, universities, or the workplace?
Policy and practice need to shift towards holistic career development. This includes integrating psychosocial components, like self-awareness, confidence-building, and purpose exploration into existing programmes. In schools and universities, career services should not only guide learners toward jobs but also help them develop a resilient career identity. In the workplace, professional onboarding and mentorship can support young employees’ psychological adjustment, which increases retention and performance.

What feedback have you received since publication, either from colleagues, professionals, or readers in the field?
While I haven’t yet received extensive formal feedback, the article has sparked interest in how we approach youth unemployment beyond skills training. There’s growing recognition of the need to consider psychological enablers and barriers when designing interventions.

In what ways do you think the AJCD contributes uniquely to global conversations on career development, particularly from an African perspective?
The AJCD fills a vital gap by providing an African lens on career development, contextualising global theories and practices within the lived realities of our continent. It gives voice to African researchers, practitioners, and communities who are often underrepresented in international discourse. The journal plays a key role in building relevant knowledge and advancing equitable career development practices across Africa.

If you had to rewrite or expand your article today, is there anything you would add, change, or explore further?
I would expand the study to include a larger, more diverse sample and incorporate a quantitative component to validate and enrich the qualitative findings. The original research was conducted during the height of COVID-19, which limited participant access. I believe a broader study would allow for deeper insights and stronger generalisability.

How do you see your work evolving over the next few years, and are there any upcoming projects you’re especially excited about?
I’m currently leading the development of a fully online Workplace Preparation Skills Programme, aligned with QCTO standards. We’re also scaling our GOAL2WORK initiative to reach more youth in rural and under-resourced areas, using WhatsApp mentorship and digital learning platforms. I’m excited to deepen the research component of these projects, capturing long-term outcomes and refining our model of psychosocial empowerment in employment transitions. In parallel, we continue to deliver the accredited Career Development Information Officer programme, which complements our Workplace Preparation offering by equipping practitioners with the skills to guide others through the same transition.

What advice would you give to young scholars or early-career researchers hoping to publish in AJCD or contribute meaningfully to the field?
Start with your lived experience and professional practice, in my opinion some of the most impactful research comes from the field. Keep your focus on relevance: what matters to practitioners, learners, and communities? And don’t underestimate the value of African perspectives in global research. The AJCD is a supportive platform for rigorous, context-aware contributions that make a real difference.

Is there anything else you would like readers to know about your article or your research?
I’d like readers to recognise that while structural reform is critical, personal transformation also plays a powerful role in employment success. When young people believe they matter, they are more likely to persevere, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the world of work. Career development, especially in Africa, must address both the external and internal worlds of the job seeker.

This interview with Daphne J. Pereira underscores the urgent need to tackle youth unemployment in South Africa with an emphasis on holistic, psychological, and career development approaches. It is a call to integrate psychosocial support with skills training, ensuring young people are equipped not just with technical knowledge but with the self-confidence and identity needed to succeed in their employment transitions.

The African Journal of Career Development (AJCD) remains a unique platform for advancing these meaningful conversations, presenting research tailored to the African experience. We encourage researchers and thought leaders to share their findings, insights, and innovations by submitting manuscripts to the journal. By working together, we can deepen our understanding of these critical issues and contribute to lasting solutions that empower Africa’s youth.

Visit the AJCD website today to learn more about submission guidelines and become part of a growing body of knowledge dedicated to transforming the future of career development on the African continent.