Youth migration, livelihood prospects and demographic dividend: A comparison of the Census 201 1 and Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System in the rural northeast of South Africa
Migration
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Issue: 2
(11 - 2016)
The 2011 South African national census shows a cohort of young adults comprising an increasing share of the
population. This finding is borne out in longitudinal data from the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance
System (HDSS). This primarily descriptive paper uses the Agincourt HDSS to examine the migration, employment
and unemployment patterns in young adults. The study reveals high levels of temporary labour migration linking rural
areas to metropolitan areas and secondary urban places. The type of work conducted by young adults in the
Agincourt population is predominantly unskilled labour for both sexes. However, there is some evidence of female
employment increasing in more educated sectors. Across all working ages there is pronounced unemployment, but
the main pressure is felt by the younger adult population. Education and skills development for both sexes should be
strengthened to support the country’s efforts to vastly improve labour force participation amongst the youth.
Keywords: demographic dividend, youth, employment, internal migration, South Africa, census, Health and
Demographic Surveillance System
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