Youth unemployment in South Africa and the socio-economic capabilities from mobile phones

Hossana Twinomurinzi, Joshua Magundini

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Unemployment is a significant global challenge with major social and economic implications. Unemployment has however not prevented the youth from owning and using mobile devices nor other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This exploratory paper investigated the mobile usage patterns among 104 participants in an effort to contextualize mobile and ICT strategies that target unemployed youth. The exploratory findings suggest that contrary to the assumption of most ICT for development literature to target youth in rural areas, ICT strategies targeting youth unemployment may be more effective when targeted at youth in urban areas. The strategies may also need to be adjusted as the youth tend towards the age of 35 where they become apathetic about job opportunities. Two capabilities, ‘individual’ and ‘interpersonal’, emerged uniquely as the job related economic capabilities of ICT. The paper contributes to practice and theory in suggesting recommendations for further research for ICT skills development programmes targeted at youth.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLocally Relevant ICT Research - 10th International Development Informatics Association Conference, IDIA 2018, Revised Selected Papers
EditorsKirstin Krauss, Filistea Naude, Marita Turpin
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages77-93
Number of pages17
ISBN (Print)9783030112349
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event10th International Development Informatics Association Conference, IDIA 2018 - Tswane, South Africa
Duration: 23 Aug 201824 Aug 2018

Publication series

NameCommunications in Computer and Information Science
Volume933
ISSN (Print)1865-0929

Conference

Conference10th International Development Informatics Association Conference, IDIA 2018
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityTswane
Period23/08/1824/08/18

Keywords

  • ICT skills
  • ICT4D
  • Mobile usage
  • South Africa
  • Youth
  • Youth unemployment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science
  • General Mathematics

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