The COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent lockdown, and the increased use of online platforms for job-seeking require an updated understanding of the full range of costs that young job-seekers have to face. Building on the Siyakha Youth Assets for Employability Study, Youth Capital’s ‘Beyond the cost: what does it really cost young people to look for work?’ presents an updated financial estimate, as well as insights into how zero-rated, low-data platforms are being used by young job-seekers; the 2024 report, undertaken in partnership with JOBJACK, underlines the impact of spatial inequality on these costs.
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Beyond the Cost: What does it really cost young people to look for work?
Youth Capital believes in a South Africa where all young people have the skills, opportunity and support that enables them to find their pathway to economic productivity. While this is not a linear journey, research shows that young people are more likely to thrive when they are supported in finishing their education, transitioning into the world of work, and leveraging existing opportunities to enhance their productivity. To influence the creation of a supportive environment for this to happen, Youth Capital developed an Action Plan to bring together research, policies, and the lived experiences of young people about the challenges that underpin youth unemployment.