Across social media, messages like “good vibes only” and “just be think positive” have become common advice for young people battling to find work. While optimism has its place, it often oversimplifies what many young people in South Africa are going through.
The emotional toll of searching for work – sending applications, facing rejections or waiting endlessly for feedback – can deeply affect one’s sense of motivation and self-worth. Mental health, in this context, is shaped not only by mindset, but by opportunity, access and the daily pressure of trying to build a future in a tough economy. Recognising that truth is the first step toward supporting young people in a more meaningful way.
Mental health and opportunity in South Africa
In South Africa, the connection between mental health and employment cannot be ignored. With 55.7% of South Africa’s youth population (aged 18 to 35) unemployed and over 9 million youth people not employed, education, or training (NEET), the daily effort to find work or training opportunities comes with emotional strain.
Recent research found that a significant number of youth entering employment programmes reported symptoms of poor mental health, with one third expressing thoughts of suicide or self-harm within the past two weeks. This highlights the urgent need to support young people on their work-seeking journeys in ways that recognise the emotional strain of the process, especially as many young people move in and out of short term or uncertain earning opportunities. By providing access to opportunities, learning tools and ways to stay mentally active, it helps address one of the biggest challenges of unemployment: discouragement.
Practical steps that help
- Create structure: Maintain a daily routine that includes rest, movement, and small goals. It keeps motivation steady and prevents the days from blending into one another.
- Focus on what you can control: Instead of setting overwhelming goals like “find a job this week,” focus on consistent actions such as refining your CV and applying for roles via sayouth.mobi.
- Reach out: Talking to mentors, peers, or support networks can provide perspective and encouragement. You do not have to face rejection or uncertainty alone.
- Limit negativity: Curate your social media and digital spaces so that what you consume supports rather than drains your energy.
sayouth.mobi is South Africa’s largest youth recruitment platform zero-rated platform designed to help young people find opportunities, build skills, and stay mentally active, even formal jobs are scarce. By staying connected to a network of learning and earning opportunities, work-seekers can maintain a sense of purpose and momentum that is essential for mental well-being during the job search.
Redefining resilience
Resilience is not about pretending that hardship does not hurt; it is about continuing despite it. It is about asking for help when you need it, and recognising that seeking support is a strength, not a flaw. That persistence matters, even when results take time. Each inclusive CV downloaded, every skill learned, application submitted, or interview attended is a sign of perseverance.
How to prepare your SA Youth CV
A well-prepared CV helps employers quickly identify your skills and readiness for work. The SA Youth inclusive CV is designed to go beyond the conventional CV by providing additional signals to employers beyond the standard information, including results from our problem-solving assessment and behavioural screener. Here are simple steps to create or update your SA Youth CV:
- Register or log in: Visit www.sayouth.mobi - it’s free and zero-rated. Create a profile using your personal details.
- Complete All Sections: Fill in your education, skills, and work experience (even volunteer or community work counts!). Remember to include your highest grade or qualification completed too.
- Add Your Skills: Highlight relevant skills such as communication, teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving which signal to the employer the potential of the young person.
- Keep It Updated: Log in regularly to update your profile and check for new opportunities especially before and during the festive season.
The bottom line
Mental health and work readiness go hand in hand. The stronger your mind, the better equipped you are to face challenges and seize opportunities. That’s why we need to treat mental wellbeing as a key part of preparing for work, not an afterthought.
This article was written by SA Youth and Phapano.
About SA Youth
sayouth.mobi is a zero-rated, 100% free platform for young, unemployed or self-employed South African work-seekers to access learning and earning opportunities. It allows them to access a wide selection of earning and learning opportunities and stay engaged and connected – for free! The platform also allows them to select and apply for opportunities that are a good fit based on their profile and interests.
About Phapano
Phapano – The Difference is a youth development and psychology education initiative in South Africa. Phapano aims to empower aspiring psychologists and young people through mentorship, workshops, psychoeducation, and access to information via its resource hub. The organisation champions equitable access, career readiness, and holistic youth development, striving to bridge gaps and build futures in the field of psychology.
