Scrap recruitment age limit to tackle unemployment: SaveSA

The Save South Africa Civic Movement has called for the removal of the recruitment age limit for government entry-level jobs and police recruits to address rising unemployment.

The movement argues that the current age limit of 35 years disadvantages many who are still capable of working and learning new skills.

The Movement’s Campaigns and Communications Director, Tebogo Mashilompane states that removing the age limit would also contribute to crime reduction.

“When they go to business, they cannot get funding especially when they are over 35. There is no funding for them so what will they do? They can’t be employed, they can’t get funding, what are other alternatives? So we are saying that there is a relationship there. If somebody is not employable, the person cannot get funding to start a business and the person would like to support their own children, family members and stuff, it is highly likely that the person will commit a crime,” says Mashilompane.

Unemployment rate

The call comes in the wake of Statistics South Africa’s recent data showing a rise in the official unemployment rate from 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024 to 33.5% in the second quarter.

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicated a decrease of 92 000 employed persons and an increase of 158 000 unemployed persons during this period.

Save South Africa emphasises that those aged between 36 and 59 face limited opportunities in sectors like police, defence, and other areas where age is a determining factor for recruitment.

Youth unemployment crisis: