THE NEED: UNEMPLOYMENT

One of the biggest problems facing the people in Sweetwaters/Mpumuza is the lack of employment. Opportunities for employment are limited. However, the skills required for many of the available occupations are lacking. Many local business owners speak of the incredibly hard task of finding people with the required basic skills. There is a direct correlation between the high rate of unemployment and the low level of education amongst the people. In 2001 there was an unemployment rate of over 70%. This figure has definitely improved to some extent, however reliable up to date statistics are not available.



During almost every home visit, we ask what needs the household has, and almost every time at least one of the responses is for a job. Many people want to work, however, to find employment with less than a grade 12 is almost impossible. Even with a grade 12, businesses require further studies or at least experience. Once they have completed their schooling most teenagers find themselves without work and at home. Unfortunately this often leads to undesirable results, such as crime and other illegal or mischievous  behaviour.