Unemployment and Mental Health: SA's Youth Bear the Brunt

Unemployment and Mental Health: SA’s Youth Bear the Brunt

(The Post News)- As it is learning towards the end of youth month, unemployment that results in mental illness is among other things the South African youth is faced with. According to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force (QLF), the country recorded a 32.9% unemployment rate in the first quarter of 2025.

Siphelele Nguse, a clinical psychologist, says that unemployment can have significant “psychological ramifications”. Nguse wrote an opinion piece which was published by the Mail and Guardian that focuses on men’s mental health, Friday, 20 June.

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With the levels of unemployment in the country, young people live with hope, said Vusumzi Gqalane, an academic adviser at the University of the Free State. He explains that in South Africa, young people often find solace in the term ‘kuzolunga’, which means ‘it will be okay’, as a way to cope with the challenges and stress of their daily lives. Unemployment is one of the key factors that stress the youth.

Meanwhile, research conducted by North West revealed that unemployment in South Africa results in psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, stress, anger, fear, despair, loneliness and social isolation and decreased self-esteem, life satisfaction, aspiration levels, concentration and personal identity.

The study conducted by the university of Cape Town revealed that unemployment and limited economic opportunities are linked to higher rates of depression, particularly among those not engaged in work, education, or training. Additionally, factors such as limited financial resources, informal housing, and perceived low social status were also associated with increased depression.

In an opinion piece compiled by Naledi Ramontja, South Africa’s youth mental health challenges go beyond academic performance, affecting unemployed graduates, rural youth, and those living in townships who face persistent difficulties that can crush their hopes for a better future.

Ramontja points out that the stress of unemployment starts when graduates realise that even professionals in their desired field are struggling to find work. Ramontja says When young people see that highly qualified professionals are struggling to find work, it raises red flags about their own future prospects. This reality can be disheartening, making them wonder if the time, effort, and money invested in their education will ultimately be worth it.