Unemployment shatters hope for youth

The alarming plight of the unemployed, fueled by desperation, has sparked a ticking time bomb for young adults struggling to escape the grip of poverty.
Muzammil Razak, founder of the BSU youth organisation in Tongaat, said that proper structure to combat the alarming unemployment rate, starts at school.
“Schools and teachers need to encourage students to study harder and develop a positive mindset.

“Schools are making it far too easy for pupils to pass. The 30% pass rate does not encourage pupils to strive for success. Even students who have a tertiary education struggle to find employment because they lack the practical skills which are crucial in today’s job market.”
The shaky foundation of the country’s education system results in many schools producing youths who are barely employable in the modern economy.
The BSU organisation was established to provide unemployed or troubled youth with practical classes, such as first aid, construction and paramedic classes to assist in adding skills to make people employable.
“Just by taking a look around the community and talking to friends, it’s easy to see that finding jobs is not easy.”

“Unemployed youth are often the hoped for bread winners at their homes. They make an effort to look for jobs and to go to interviews but it is disappointing when they are constantly unsuccessful. This is when many give up and turn to crime, prostitution and often use drugs as means to escape their circumstances.

“It is important that they keep busy and maintain a positive mind-set.” said Razak.

The BSU organisation encourages their members to get involved in community work while seeking employment. Recently it partnered with the Tongaat trauma centre to assist with the renovations of the Golden Steps School in Tongaat.
“It was estimated the renovations for the school would have cost R30 000, but the youth members came together and contacted businesses to sponsor building equipment and paint.

“We encourage our unemployed to involve themselves in community projects, which will work to their advantage when seeking employment and getting involved gives them something else to think of other than failed job opportunities.”

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