The Xolani Gwala Show

As of the third quarter of 2017, South Africa's unemployment rate is sitting at 27.7%. There is a lot of uncertainty for those who are about to finish their studies and enter the job market.

What does the future hold for school leavers during this difficult economic climate?

Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (Saldru) at UCT carries out research with an emphasis on labour and its director Professor Murray Leibrandt spoke to CapeTalk's Kieno Kammies about the employment challenges facing youth.

He says that while the unemployment rate is high, there are companies who are still offering young people opportunities.

A positive message should be sent out to the youth rather than one that discourages them, he adds.

That often leads to a daunting and depressing message to our young people...

— Prof. Murray Leibrandt, Saldru director, UCT

This transitioning from schooling to the labour market is a scary one and it attacks both sides of the market - the employers and the young people.

— Prof. Murray Leibrandt, Saldru director, UCT

They need to understand that it's not just about the workplace but it's about themselves, making it very clear that they have much more to offer than just their school qualification.

— Prof. Murray Leibrandt, Saldru director, UCT

You have to be clear about what you can offer in the workplace, he advises.

When you write up your CV, you not just writing up a template, but you are writing up what you are and what you wanting to offer an employer. So there are initiatives that help out young people to focus and work out all the skills that they have.

— Prof. Murray Leibrandt, Saldru director, UCT

For advice on how school leavers can find jobs in this difficult economic climate, listen below: