The Silent Crisis: the 35-year mark represents an alarming point of unemployment in South Africa—and the potential solutions by government
In South Africa the unattended aspect of unemployment looms over the country like a dark blanket that covers the citizens, but the age of 35 comes with a significantly more alarming sustenance of the situation with respect to the unemployment– it cuts the life hope by half or completely annihilates the life of productivity. The stigma below this age mark acts somewhat like a snowball– it echoes increasing age. To shift the focus of attention from the youth to the older people in their mid-thirties comes with an alarming assumption of the new solutions to the dire crisis, without which South Africa risks inviting stagnation permanently.
The 35-year-old unemployment trap
The labour market has a special law that governs the inner workings of the age zones under which people get categorized, simmilarly to other zones of life such as school or university, which categorizes people differently from the calendar, age 35 acts like a mark on this imaginary calendar. As with most of the public or private sectors, make use of secondary or primary innovations programs like youth energy programs sponsorship or learnerships that focus on people lower than 35, bye-bye free support when you are abled to cross it.
It leads to a painful paradox where people who could not achieve stable employment before their mid-thirties are now perceived as less flexible, less trainable, and less employable, even when they are at their physical and mental peak.
Some of the most critical issues are as follows:
Exclusion from Youth Programs: Programs aimed at fostering employment opportunities such as Youth Employment Service (YES) and Employment Tax Incentive (ETI) have a cutoff age of 35 years.
Perception of Over and Under Qualification: Candidates over 35 years of age are considered either as not having relevant experience for the senior positions or being over aged for entry level roles.
Financial Problems and Family Responsibilities: At the age of 35, a person supports and is responsible for a home, child, or even a younger sibling as well as aging parents and the absence of a sustainable source of income adds to already existing burden which has a potential of creating a vicious cycle of multi generational poverty.
Mental Effects: During the phase of life which is considered the most productive, being unemployed because of the harsh reality of today’s world can be a reality, which can lead to an individual suffering from things such as depression, anxiety, or even addiction.
Why This is Important for the Social and Economic Development of South Africa:
Statistics South Africa reveals that the number unemployed people in the country is about 7 million and a considerable number fall in the age range of 35 to 44 years. This not only poses a significant risk for the country, but for the citizens as well. This age bracket has a lot to offer and the country can benefit through their invaluable experience as they take on an increased level of responsibility as compared to younger employees.
This group still is at risk of becoming permanently locked out of the job market. This is particularly concerning for a nation that is already struggling with the imbalance between social inequality, conflict, and low economic growth.
What Could the Government Do?
As far as constructive solutions for the problem at hand, we need sharper, more decisive, and inclusive solutions of some kind. The South African government can consider the following approaches to assist individuals over the age of 35 tackle unemployment:
1. Increase the Age Limit Criteria for Employment Benefits
Existing policies need to be changed to cater to individuals who are aged 40 or 45 and above. This will help those who have transitioned from the “youth” category.
2. Implement “Second Chance” Skills Development Programs
A considerable portion of the population aged over 35 missed the digital and tertiary education waves. The government should consider sponsoring practical training programs in coding, plumbing, teaching, healthcare, and even renewable energy, which, in addition to having growing job opportunities, are less age discriminatory.
3. Aid in the Fulfillment of Age-Based Grants for Entrepreneurship
Offer start-up capital, as well as mentorship and incubation services to jobless individuals aged 35 and above. This demographic has a wealth of lived experience, networks and ideas, but more often than not, is underfunded and lacks business training to kickstart.
4. Implement “Returnship” Programs
With a government subsidy, businesses could be incentivized to offer paid temporary positions to former long-term unemployed individuals, helping them transition back into the formal workforce. This resembles UK and USA returnship models that have been successful in the past.
5. Developing a National Registry and Employer Engagement Scheme
A registry of unemployed individuals over 35 years of age could be aligned with the industry’s demand, concurrently engaging the employers to dispel age stereotypes and foster more inclusive hiring attitudes.
Conclusion: A Generation at Risk – A National Responsibility
The South African unemployment crisis for the 35 years and older age group’s workforce is a menace that is likely to explode. If the situation is ignored, it poses a threat towards escalating poverty, social disorder, and the erosion of essential human resources. Urgency and vision are the key in confronting the crisis for the reward is to enable the many to access the economy and societal structures.
Decisive actions are a prerequisite to tackle the situation head on. Employment is not a privilege that should be held exclusively by the younger populations, it should be a right for anyone willing and able to engage—irrespective of age. Delay is not an option. Action is needed.