Exploring the survival strategies of unemployed graduates in Madibogo village in Ratlou Local Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the survival strategies of unemployed graduates in Madibogo village, Ratlou local municipality. Guided by social capital theory, the study employed semi structured interviews with 20 young unemployed graduates and two focus group discussions of six participants each. All the data were analysed thematically to understand how the young unemployed graduates survive during a period of high unemployment which stands at 38,1 %, in the North West province. The key findings reveal that young unemployed graduates in Madibogo village survive through entrepreneurship, government social assistance, social networks, casual jobs, and online betting. However, the strategies are hindered by non-payment, lack of market access and trust, limited funding, gardening constraints, inconsistent access to government social assistance, financial dependency, competition for casual jobs leading to and inconsistent income, financial losses and addiction. The participants implemented the strategies to deal with the challenges and those include demanding upfront payments, reliance on personal savings and family financial support, adopting environmental resilience techniques, social media, referrals, prioritizing basic needs, practising financial discipline in betting. The participants identified long term income generating opportunities such as selling goods, tutoring, offering administrative services, hairdressing, providing electrical service stores, rendering transportation services, money lending and engaging in social activities. The study concludes that most of the survival strategies employed by young unemployed graduates only offer temporary relief for them and fail to offer long-term sustainability. However, the income generating opportunities identified by young unemployed graduates have the potential to foster sustainable development if adequately supported. The study recommends that institutions such as National Youth Development Agency, Small Enterprise Development Agency, Department of Agriculture, and local municipality must collaborate with these youth by providing mentorship, access to financial resources and infrastructural support to enhance business sustainability.