Is Getting A Degree Still Worth It in South Africa? after 35.3% unemployment rate





They are both graduates, now selling muffins and scones at the Soshanguve Crossing Mall.


Advantages of Earning a Degree Online

South Africa's unemployment rate is the highest it has ever been, with youth taking up most of the percentage. Graduates often find themselves unemployed, which begs the question, is obtaining a degree still worth it?



South African graduates struggle to find work, even being qualified, as the country battles a job crisis and high unemployment rates. Many are now looking at whether getting a degree is still worth it.

Radio 702 held a discussion about this very subject. Student leaders from Sasco, the South African Union of Students, and EFF Student Command took part in this conversation.
Graduates from several South African universities are spearheading a 'Hire A Graduate' campaign.
Graduates from several South African universities are spearheading a 'Hire A Graduate' campaign.


Getting a degree means you have a better chance of getting a good job. However, graduates around the country are losing hope, making up the majority of the 35.3% unemployment rate.

Many also believe that not only are there enough jobs, but the government needs to do its part in providing the youth with employment opportunities and job creation.

Another way these graduates are failing is in the education itself, with Sasco president Bamanye Matiwane saying:


Read more: How much students funded by the NSFAS owe higher education institutions.



In essence, we can't necessarily say we are free as a country when we have the privatization of education. We can't say we are free when each and every year, institutions of higher learning increase tuition fees each and every year, knowing very well that the country has a high unemployment rate.

Some graduates cannot pay their fees, and because of this, they are not given the certificates needed to get a job.

SAUS president Yandisa Ndzoyiya said that it's seen that the more educated you are, the more unemployed you become.

Another thing seen in South Africa is that when graduates do get jobs, these jobs don't use the skills they have and require less of them.

Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command president Mandla Shikwambana said:


What is the use of going to class for four years? You are in University doing a degree for teaching, and then when you are done, there's no job for you. You are only given the initiative called the Teacher Assistant, where you are given 3500 per month.

Pictures of Zimbabwean graduates dressed in graduation gowns while vending on the streets of central Harare have gone viral on social media.
Pictures of Zimbabwean graduates dressed in graduation gowns while vending on the streets of central Harare have gone viral on social media.
 

"Graduates are being subjected to stand by a gate sanitising learners as they enter the gate; you are reducing them to nothing", continued Shikwambana.

With everything, it's found that more and more young people want to move internationally and find jobs there as job prospects are brighter.

However, getting a degree opens you up to more options. It's also worth finding courses aligned with those skills in demand and aligned to the fourth industrial revolution.

 








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