South Africa's unemployment conundrum: implications for the 2024 national elections

Abstract

South Africa faces a complex socio-economic dilemma of reducing the high unemployment rate while allowing democracy to thrive. This article explores the complex dynamics of the democratic unemployment status quo in South Africa and the important effect it had on the national elections in 2024. The nation?s democratic transition in 1994 was a watershed event that promised economic growth and political freedom for all its residents. But despite the progress made towards democratisation, unemployment is still shockingly high, particularly for young people and marginalised communities. To show how the nation’s social stability and democratic values are at risk, this article examines the intricate correlation that exists between democratic government, economic policy, and the labour market. Moreover, the article also sheds light on the consequences that the ongoing unemployment problem had for the 2024 national elections. A mixed methods design was used in the study done for the article, with quantitative and qualitative techniques being used to conduct exploratory analysis, as well as a systematic literature review. The article concludes that voter behaviour may have been greatly influenced by the dissatisfaction and disillusionment of the populace resulting from unemployment, which could change the political landscape and priorities. Comprehending the fundamental connection between joblessness and the democratic system is essential for developing well-informed policies that not only tackle the severe unemployment issue, but also reinforce South Africa’s democratic base.