Exploring Decent Work for Unemployed Youth in South Africa

Abstract

This research focused on exploring and understanding the meaning of decent work according to unemployed youths with lower levels of education, living in an informal settlement in South Africa. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews with eighteen youths aged between 19 and 35, living in Setswetla – an urban informal settlement in Alexandra Township. The data was afterwards transcribed then analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework. This study is qualitative and exploratory in design and provides a unique understanding of decent work through the experiences of the unemployed youths. These insights provide a deeper view of the meaning of decent work, rather than a more general perspective. The study findings revealed that the youths associate decent work with comfortable and proper working conditions, including adequate working hours, job security, and opportunities for growth. Fair treatment, non-discrimination, and a sense of belonging, driven by positive interpersonal dynamics, were stated as key to the youths’ perception of decent work. However, in a country with high rates of unemployment such as South Africa, many youths confirmed that they find themselves willing to compromise on what they consider decent work. Socio-economic factors, such as minimum wage, sustainability, and self-worth shape their willingness to accept a job, even if it does not meet ideal standards of decent work. The youths also mentioned partaking in precarious work due to desperation, often resulting in limited work volition. Unsafe working conditions that are harmful to health were frequently mentioned as the bottom-line limitations. Despite legal protections in South African labour laws, the high unemployment rate increases the risk of these laws being contravened as many youths are willing to engage in work that they know is not decent. Focusing on this calibre of youths has allowed for a more generous understanding of decent work. Furthermore, this research gave rise to the recognition that there are some systematic issues that need to be addressed, as well as some organisational changes that can improve the employment landscape for unemployed South African youths. The idea would be to focus on reducing risks of precarious work and ensure that youths have access to prospects that align with the concept of decent work. A final recommendation was that due to limited decent work research on marginalized populations, future research should focus on this area.