South Africa’s Youth Face Uncertain Future After Matric: Six Key Insights

Thirty years ago, fewer than a third of 25- to 34-year-olds in South Africa had completed their matric or an equivalent qualification. Fast forward to today, and that number has nearly doubled to 57%, thanks to improvements in the education system and recent record-breaking National Senior Certificate results.

However, this achievement is overshadowed by a harsh reality: youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, and economic growth is sluggish. The journey beyond school is tougher than ever, leaving many recent matriculants struggling to find jobs or further education opportunities.

A new study using the Quarterly Labour Force Survey sheds light on six crucial insights about life after school for young South Africans.

1. Employment Prospects Have Declined

Finding a job with only a matric certificate has become increasingly difficult. In 2014, four in ten recent matriculants who were economically active had a job. By early 2024, that number had dropped to three in ten.

The job market has become more competitive, and the employment prospects for those with only a matric qualification now resemble what they were for youth without matric a decade ago. Even those with post-school qualifications are finding it harder to secure work.

2. More Matriculants Are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET)

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, around 44%-45% of recent matriculants were classified as NEET. By early 2022, this figure had peaked at 55%, and at the start of 2024, it remained high at nearly 50%.

This means that one in every two recent matriculants is not engaged in any form of work, study, or training—affecting nearly 1.78 million young people. The number of NEET matriculants has risen by half a million over the past decade, highlighting the lack of opportunities beyond school.

3. A Matric Still Holds Value

Despite these challenges, having a matric certificate still provides a better chance of securing work or furthering education compared to those who drop out.

At the start of 2024, nearly 80% of young people who had not completed school were classified as NEET, compared to 50% of those with a matric certificate. While opportunities remain scarce, having matric improves the likelihood of finding a job or enrolling in further studies.

4. The Path Beyond School Is Tougher Than a Decade Ago

For young people searching for work, the job hunt has become longer and more frustrating. In 2014, about 27% of NEET matriculants aged 15-24 had been searching for work for more than a year. By early 2024, that number had increased to 32%.

For 25-34-year-old NEETs with a matric, the situation is even worse—half of them had been job-hunting for over a year, compared to 37% in 2014. The longer young people remain unemployed or out of education, the greater the negative impact on their mental health.

5. Limited Access to Post-School Education and Training

While the government has plans to expand access to post-school education and training, enrolment numbers are not keeping up with the growing number of matriculants. Budget constraints and economic pressures make it unlikely that this situation will improve soon.

South Africa is lagging behind other developing nations in tertiary education enrolment. In 2021, only 25% of South African youth were enrolled in tertiary education, compared to 41% in Indonesia, 57% in Brazil, and 67% in China.

6. Where You Live Matters

Opportunities for young people vary significantly by location. In 2023/24, one-third of recent matriculants in the Western Cape were NEET, while in the North West province, that figure was more than double at 67%.

This highlights the deep regional inequalities in education and employment opportunities across South Africa.

What Needs to Change?

To improve the future of young South Africans, two key changes are needed:

• Better Labour Market Conditions: Economic growth and job creation must be prioritized.
• Expanded Education and Training Opportunities: More accessible and affordable post-school education is crucial.

However, individuals and communities can also play a role by:

• Encouraging young people to complete school and pursue further education.
• Helping them gain work experience through networking and internships.
• Assisting with CV writing, referrals, and job applications.

While South Africa has made significant progress in education, the challenges that matriculants face after school remain daunting. Without major improvements in job creation and access to further education, many young South Africans will continue to struggle.

A collective effort from the government, private sector, and society is needed to turn education gains into meaningful economic opportunities for the country’s youth.

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