The Effect of Socio-Economic Challenges of Youth Unemployment in Limpopo on the Economy of South Africa

Youth unemployment is rife in South Africa, especially in rural communities such as those in the Limpopo province. Young people in those areas therefore end up being affected by drugs, alcohol abuse, HIV/AIDS and crime. Young people in many parts of the country are unskilled or semi-skilled; those with tertiary education are in the minority. Many of these young people are therefore not participating actively in the economy of the country. They depend on the government to meet their basic needs. A study was conducted in the Capricorn District of Limpopo, with participants from two municipalities, namely, Polokwane and Lepelle-Nkumpi. These municipalities were identified because of their number of active youth programmes. A total of 54 individuals participated in the study. They included the municipality officials and young people. A quantitative research approach was used to collect and analyse the data. A Likert scale was used as a research instrument to collect the data. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the selected participants. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 was used to analyse the data. The results indicated that poverty as a socio-economic factor affects the development of youth and their prospects of meaningful contribution to the economy of South Africa. The study therefore recommended that changes be effected in the education system. The youth will have to develop entrepreneurship skills through rigorous programmes.