The agency and resilience of NEET youth and what we can do to support them. Evidence from a synthesis of qualitative research with young people in South Africa

Recent years have seen a growing body of knowledge on the situation of young people, and particularly young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) in South Africa. Much of this research is focused on statistical analysis and emphasises the staggered and difficult transitions that young people make as they attempt to secure employment. This paper contributes by synthesising the findings of several qualitative studies in order to add the voice of young people to the picture. It illustrates the immense challenges that young people face, ranging from a sense of social exclusion and the implications this has for relationships, belonging and mental health; the consistent barriers to work-seeking such as lack of information and high costs; as well as their struggles to access higher or further education. While there are a range of initiatives attempting to address youth unemployment, this paper offers insight into how young people experience navigating these initiatives. We also draw lessons from young people themselves, about what kind of support they require. This working paper has contributed to the evidence that informs the development of the Basic Package of Support for NEET youth in South Africa.