Unemployment

Getting work in South Africa has become

increasingly difficult. With the reduction in the

need for blue-collar workers, skill is now very

demanding. Jobs that used to provide training and

require little skill now have boosted their

conditions, (example of structural unemployment).

Throughout 2000, the country has faced an unemployment rate of about 26%. In 2001, unemployment rose to 30%, and now has exploded to a high of 37%. The effects have become quite difficult to manage and the government has been forced to secure a new Unemployment Act, set up to compensate those without work for up to 34 weeks. It is said that South Africa’s income distribution provides for the world’s weakest system. Statistics show that the income is divided mainly by gender, region, and race. The poorest citizens are often black and/or people who live in the countryside, and mainly women. Among the wealthiest are white men who live in the main cities. Another problem is generally that weekly work hours still require more time and ability. At up to 48 hours, single women must either leave their children on their own and make a living, or stay home and risk starvation. Nonetheless, employers have become less willing to provide even the most basic aspects of job training.

In comparison, Botswana’s unemployment rate is still not incredibly better. Even though its economy has seen incredible success over the recent years, there has not been enough time or money to quell the problem. At 40%, Botswana just trails South Africa, and if the economy continues to grow, more jobs should open up in many areas of skill. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe still lacks far behind and may continue to experience rises in unemployment. Earlier this year and late last year, unemployment was at 60%, and now has shown drastic downfalls, exceeding virtually an all-time high of 70%! With enormous inflation rates in addition to the government’s helplessness in reversing the country’s economic status, it is no wonder that businesses are unable to afford production and sales of products, thus employing those who create them. Economists fear a complete dissipation in the job market.