Jobless youth – We’re not lazy, we’re just locked out

Ruan van Aarde (24) from Plantation is a clear example of the country’s growing youth unemployment crisis. He has never held a permanent job.

“I’ve only done piece jobs. They last for a while, then it’s back to nothing again.”
He left school in Grade 10 due to personal and family reasons, hoping to find work and support his household.
But years later, Ruan is still waiting for that break.

“I thought getting a job would be easier. I was young and willing. I had energy. But I didn’t realise that wanting to work wasn’t enough.”

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Ruan has applied for countless jobs, many of which required Grade 10 as the minimum qualification, yet he was always turned away for the same reason: no experience.
“Even the jobs that ask for Grade 10 still want two years’ experience. But how are we meant to get that experience if no one gives us a chance? We want to learn. Why won’t they let us?”

Now, Ruan spends his time volunteering at a local community organisation, which keeps his mind occupied and his hope alive.
“I don’t want to sit at home doing nothing. It gives me purpose, but it doesn’t always put food on the table. I can’t live off hope.”

He says the heaviest weight he carries is the feeling of being overlooked.
“We’re not lazy. We’re not unmotivated. We just keep hitting walls. We’re willing to work. We just need someone to give us a chance to prove ourselves.”

As the country honours the youth of 1976, Ruan wonders where the support is for today’s youth.
“Every year they talk about us. They promise to fight youth unemployment, but nothing changes. We’re still here, still stuck, still trying.

“Don’t celebrate Youth Month without seeing us. We are the youth, too. We just need one opportunity.”

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