Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
11 May 2023 | 17:07 CAT

Photo credit: Ipsos

According to a recent IPSOS “What Worries the World survey”, 69% of South Africans cited unemployment as their top worry. That is compared to 41% of the world who see inflation as their top worry. Unemployment threats continue to loom large in South Africa, with the country holding the unenviable title of the world’s most worried nation.

Ipsos Sub-Sahara Africa Knowledge Director: Public Affairs Mari Harris speaks to Radio Islam International.

Marri said while the trend is not new, there is concern that South Africans are becoming even more despondent as unemployment has increased five percentage point increase in the past year.

According to Ipsos statistics, India, the country with the second-highest concern about unemployment, trails far behind South Africa and stands at 49% in the number of people concerned about unemployment.

Among the 29 countries surveyed, only nine saw an increase in concern about unemployment from the previous year. While other nations are showing signs of employment recovery after Covid-19, the growing unease about unemployment in South Africa serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country, as per Ipsos.

Meanwhile, the challenges of joblessness lead to a sense of hopelessness and influence many other views, including loadshedding and the loss of trust in political parties.

Shedding light on the enduring challenges of joblessness, The Country Manager for Ipsos in South Africa, Kelly Arnold, says, “Unemployment in South Africa has deep-rooted causes that date back several decades. The Covid-19 pandemic has further compounded these problems, resulting in a loss of 3 – 4 million jobs that have yet to be regained. With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, people are increasingly desperate to secure employment opportunities.”

Listen to the full interview with Muftin Yusuf Moosagie on Your World Today.