LABOUR
Constitution fails to recognise people’s right to work
Despite several policy initiatives to deal with widespread unemployment since the end of apartheid the problem remains as acute
In a year in which the economy fell into recession, public finances were squeezed to breaking point and data showed that poverty has been on the rise since 2011, Statistics SA has added to the gloom by announcing unemployment was at a 14-year high. Including people who wanted to work but had become discouraged from looking for jobs due to a lack of opportunities, 36.8% of people in SA were without work. It was no coincidence that the number of people living in poverty rose as joblessness soared. Unemployment deprives people of income necessary for survival. It affects families and communities. With virtually no access to social security for working-age adults, the unemployed are dependent upon savings they may have and help from family and friends to get by. Many seek loans from informal money lenders and end up in a spiral of debt. Others turn to crime. Still others are dragged into a vicious cycle of deteriorating physical and mental health, alcohol and drug abuse and in many case...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.