Angisebenzi” (I do not work): Exploring the Relationship Between Mental Health and not being in education, employment, or training (NEET), among South African Youth Aged 18–24 in Umlazi
1
Public health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
2
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charitzeplatz, Germany
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
South Africa faces youth unemployment crisis, with rates exceeding 40% among individuals aged 15–34, and particularly acute among those aged 18–24 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This demographic is disproportionately affected by mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation with a focus on those outside formal education, tertiary institutions and struggling to find employment.
RESULTS:
The psychosocial challenge of unemployment is compounded by historical structural inequalities, limited access to mental health services, and social stigma. Existing literature highlight that unemployed youth often experience heightened stress, social isolation, and diminished self-worth. Many face pressure to support households despite lacking income, leading to emotional burnout and, in some cases, substance use or suicidal ideation. The lack of alignment between youth training programs and labour market absorption further exacerbates feelings of hopelessness.
METHODS:
Drawing from the Design and Evaluation of Adolescent Health Interventions and Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa (DASH) dataset under the Africa Research, Implementation Science and Education – the ARISE project, the research assesses how evolving household structures impacts psychological outcomes in adolescents 2,001 adolescents age 10–24, the focus age group for this work will be 18-24 to explore lived experiences of unemployed youth. Key indicators will include emotional distress, coping mechanisms, and access to psychosocial support. Based on these indicators, in-depth qualitative interviews will be conducted with 20 adolescents in this age group to understand their lived experiences of mental health and unemployment.
CONCLUSIONS:
Understanding mental health implications of youth unemployment is critical for designing responsive interventions. This study aims to inform policy and community-based strategies that address both economic and emotional resilience among South Africa’s most vulnerable youth. Key Words: Youth Unemployment, Mental Health, Emotional Distress, NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), Psychosocial Support Word Count: 294
South Africa faces youth unemployment crisis, with rates exceeding 40% among individuals aged 15–34, and particularly acute among those aged 18–24 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This demographic is disproportionately affected by mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation with a focus on those outside formal education, tertiary institutions and struggling to find employment.
RESULTS:
The psychosocial challenge of unemployment is compounded by historical structural inequalities, limited access to mental health services, and social stigma. Existing literature highlight that unemployed youth often experience heightened stress, social isolation, and diminished self-worth. Many face pressure to support households despite lacking income, leading to emotional burnout and, in some cases, substance use or suicidal ideation. The lack of alignment between youth training programs and labour market absorption further exacerbates feelings of hopelessness.
METHODS:
Drawing from the Design and Evaluation of Adolescent Health Interventions and Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa (DASH) dataset under the Africa Research, Implementation Science and Education – the ARISE project, the research assesses how evolving household structures impacts psychological outcomes in adolescents 2,001 adolescents age 10–24, the focus age group for this work will be 18-24 to explore lived experiences of unemployed youth. Key indicators will include emotional distress, coping mechanisms, and access to psychosocial support. Based on these indicators, in-depth qualitative interviews will be conducted with 20 adolescents in this age group to understand their lived experiences of mental health and unemployment.
CONCLUSIONS:
Understanding mental health implications of youth unemployment is critical for designing responsive interventions. This study aims to inform policy and community-based strategies that address both economic and emotional resilience among South Africa’s most vulnerable youth. Key Words: Youth Unemployment, Mental Health, Emotional Distress, NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), Psychosocial Support Word Count: 294
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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