For many young South Africans, finding a job comes at a cost, with transport, data and application expenses creating additional barriers to employment.
For millions of unemployed young South Africans, looking for work has become a job in itself — one that demands money, time, sacrifice and emotional resilience, with no guarantee of a pay cheque at the end.
As South Africa grapples with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, fresh research and expert commentary reveal a harsh reality: many young people are spending money they do not have to chase opportunities that may never materialise.
According to Statistics South Africa, about 4.7 million people aged between 15 and 34 were unemployed in the first quarter of 2026, while nearly 70% of young South Africans remain unemployed under the expanded definition of unemployment.
But beyond the unemployment figures lies another crisis, the hidden cost of searching for work.
