Youth Employment Programmes in South African Informal Settlements: An Examination of Their Impact on Out-of-School Youth,

Youth unemployment is a significant issue in South Africa’s informal settlements, where many out-of-school youth lack access to formal employment opportunities. The research employed a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with participants, focus group discussions, and document analysis from selected programmes. Data was collected in two informal settlements and analysed using thematic content analysis. Participants reported mixed experiences; while some found stable employment or gained valuable skills, others faced challenges such as insufficient job opportunities and limited support networks. Despite initial optimism, the study reveals that current youth employment programmes require more tailored interventions to address specific community needs effectively. Programme developers should incorporate feedback from participants for continuous improvement and consider integrating vocational training alongside placement assistance. Youth Employment Programmes, Out-of-School Youth, Informal Settlements, Qualitative Study