-
Unemployment graphic.
Many young people in the North West province say they continue to grapple with high levels of unemployment.
The province currently has the highest unemployment rate in the country, despite being well known for its strong presence in mining, agriculture, and tourism.
In Promosa, outside Potchefstroom, a group of unemployed youth say they have been without jobs for years, despite their efforts to find work.
Mojalefa Tshupang and Tumelo Meyer have taken it upon themselves to patch potholes along the roads, hoping that small donations from passing drivers, will help them put food on the table.
“My friends and I work together every morning and throughout the day patching potholes. we decided it’s better to do something productive on the roads than to stay at home hungry, which can lead to negative thoughts,” says Tshupang.
Meyer says, ”We do this because we come from difficult backgrounds, where poverty is a daily reality. Instead of turning to crime in the community, we choose to fix the Promosa road – the small contributions we receive from drivers help us have something to eat at home in the evening.”
Youth Day 2025 | NW Premier calls on private sector to help mitigate unemployment:
