By Palesa Matlala
- Luvuko Pikoli wants to study economics but cannot afford the registration fees, so his family relies on Sassa pension grants.
- Tshediso Moraka, 50, has never had a permanent job and believes his older age means he will never find work.
Men in South Africa are struggling to find work because the cost of living is high and jobs are scarce.
Luvuko Pikoli, 19, finished school in 2025. He wanted to study economics but he could not afford the registration fee.
His parents both get the Sassa pension grant to support the family.
“I was receiving the child support grant before I turned 18,” Pikoli said.
There are four other children in the house. Most of the family’s money is spent on buying food.
“Food is a big thing for black families, because hunger and poverty are what lead to fights and death within the community,” he said.
He said he is trying to find a skills training programme so he can earn a small amount of money.
Tshediso Moraka, 50, said finding a job is a dream that will never happen.
He started working as a cashier in 2000 and has never had a permanent job.
“My last contract ended last year in March, and I was working for the government. I have been moving from one contact to another,” Moraka said.
He said his age makes it hard, and he has accepted he will never get a permanent job.
“Black men in the township work so hard to earn an honest living because it is a rare thing,” he said.
“Most of us want to be providers for our families because it dignifies your home,” Moraka said.
While things are uncertain for Pikoli and Moraka, Lesego Lebadi, 8, wants to be a police officer when he finishes school.
“I want to build my mother a home and make sure that she is well fed,” the Grade 2 learner said.
Pictured above: A job wanted sign.
Image source: File
