The Social Protection & Labor Sector (HDNSP) of the Human Development Network was pleased to sponsor a presentation by  

Dr. Miriam Altman
Executive Director of the Centre for
Poverty Employment & Growth
at the Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa

Chair: Maureen Lewis, Advisor, Human Development, Africa Region

South African policy makers face a challenge of extremely high unemployment. Growth acceleration until recently and rapid market based job creation have made inroads over the past decade. However, one quarter of the labor force is still unemployed. Youth are especially affected, and about 3/4 of all unemployed are below the age of 30. Two-thirds of those aged 15 -24 are neither studying nor working. This situation poses serious challenges for South Africa's social and economic future. Creative solutions are required.

The Centre for Poverty Employment and Growth at the Human Sciences Research Council in South Africa leads research and stakeholder dialogue to support policy making in respect of youth unemployment. The work focuses on school leavers who are unlikely to proceed to higher education. The majority of unemployed fall into this group. Given the extent of the challenge, it is essential that effective and efficient approaches are identified. Policy makers must naturally consider both supply and demand side interventions, as well as the character of labor market matching.

In her presentation, Dr. Altman outlined the state of youth unemployment in South Africa, historical efforts to reduce it, and new approaches being proposed, which will be implemented in the near future. Special attention was given to the role of the state in directly creating employment, as well as in stimulating improved job readiness and labor market matching. In particular, one province in South Africa has included HSRC proposals for youth labor market matching in its budget, initially as a demonstration project.

Download the presentation (618kb pdf) 

About the Presenter

Dr. Altman is Executive Director of the Centre for Poverty, Employment & Growth (CPEG) at the HSRC. This Centre develops innovative strategies to put employment centre stage in policy making and implementation. The research covers the macro-economy, trade and industry, government employment, youth employment, migration, labour markets, household food security and social policy. “Evidence-based Employment Scenarios” is CPEG’s flagship, drawing together top decision and opinion makers in business, labour, government and academia to identify how the targets of halving unemployment and poverty might be reached.  CPEG has devoted special attention to the consideration of strategies that improve the employability of school leavers that are not destined for higher education.

Dr. Altman is a leading expert in employment and industrial policy, with over 20 years research and practical experience in economic development issues, and having produced more than 80 publications.  She has a BA in economics from McGill University, an M.Phil from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in economics from the University of Manchester.