Youth who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEETs) in the King Sabata Dalindyebo MunicipalitEastern Cape: perspectives of youth regarding challenges experienced and the way forward
Date
2019
Authors
Mtengwane, Gcina
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Abstract
South Africa has a remarkably high number of youths that are not in employment, education or training (NEETs) who consequently face many socio-economic challenges. The King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape is no exception. In order to explore the socio-economic challenges faced by NEET’s and their perspectives regarding the way forward in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, a qualitative approach was adopted, and a case study research design was implemented. The case study ‘boundaries’ were three townships in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, namely Waterfall Park, Ngangelizwe and Mdlekeza. The population for the study was NEETs living in these three townships. The sample, purposely selected, was 15 NEETs between the ages of 18 – 35 years. The researcher conducted in-depth, one-on-one interviews with the participants to gather meaningful data related to the research topic. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data gathered. The theoretical framework underlying the study was the Social Exclusion theory and Linday and McQuaids (2005) Integrated model for Employability. Findings regarding the challenges faced by NEETs included: lack of financial support, poor school performance, nepotism, lack of recreational facilities and lack of awareness regarding skills training programmes. Work opportunities not requiring post-matric qualifications, recreational facilities, social cohesions, information sharing, promotion of arts and crafts and entrepreneurship emerged as some of the things necessary to improve the plight of NEETs in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. Recommendations are made based on the findings.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Arts in Social Development to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, 2018