Young South Africans heading for the exit
The detrimental impact of corruption sits front and centre in the minds of youth across Africa, with the government’s inefficient efforts to address it pushing more young people to emigrate.
This is a key finding of the 2024 edition of the African Youth Survey, the third iteration of the biennial survey of African youths aged between 18 and 24 commissioned by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation (IFF).
The IFF says that it launched the African Youth Survey in 2020 to provide governments, the private sector and civil society with insights into the aspirations, motivations, and viewpoints of Africa’s youth, which is seen to be “the most comprehensive study of its kind.”
In the 2024 edition, 5,604 youths were interviewed across 16 African countries on a variety of issues, from their hopes and aspirations to their most pressing concerns.
The survey found that the most common and pressing issue is that the majority of African youth do not believe that their governments are doing enough to address the scourge of corruption, with 83% concerned about the state of corruption in their country.
This is even higher in South Africa, which sits at 94%.
Looking at other responses from South African youth:
- 81% believe that those convicted of corruption should not be allowed to stand for public office;
- 79% believe that candidates running for positions in public office should not have criminal records; and
- 74% believe that leaders should be required to publish their financial records and business interests each year.
The high level of concern about corruption is not isolated to one area but is widespread across a range of different spheres.
At a continental level, concern is consistently high regarding corruption within the national government (73%), within provincial or local government (70%), within national companies/businesses (71%), and within police and security forces (69%).
However, levels of satisfaction with government efforts to address corruption remain consistently low across the continent.
Because of this, almost 60% indicated that they are looking to emigrate in the next five years.
Of this, North America is the top destination of choice followed by Western Europe, where France, United Kingdom, Germany and Spain are the top destinations.
“They believe that corruption in their countries is robbing them of their birthright; the single greatest hurdle they face to achieve their own potential and achieve the better life that was denied their parents and their grandparents,” the authors said.
Earlier this year, Transparency International published its Corruption Perceptions Index for 2023, with South Africa as an example receiving its worst score to date.
“The global trend of weakening justice systems is reducing accountability for public officials, which allows corruption to thrive,” said Transparency International.
“Corruption will continue to thrive until justice systems can punish wrongdoing and keep governments in check; When justice is bought or politically interfered with, it is the people that suffer,” said the chair of Transparency International, François Valérian.
“Leaders should fully invest in and guarantee the independence of institutions that uphold the law and tackle corruption,” he added.
According to the 2024 Africa Youth Survey, when asked to pick a key priority for decision-makers, an overwhelming majority indicated that governments must address, and adequately sanction, corruption.
Other findings
Overall, the youth in Africa still believe in democracy (69%); however, this has dropped from 76% in 2022.
Additionally, many are turning away from the Western concept of democracy in favour of an African-infused system (60%).
“Alarmingly, nearly one in three (29%) believe that non-democratic systems, from the military or one-party rule, could be preferable under certain circumstances,” said the IFF.
The Council on Foreign Relations says continued turmoil in Africa has begun to shift mindsets, “conflating democratic governance with pro-Western or even neocolonial agendas.”
“As African youth begin to associate democracy with corrupt and unfair elections, sentiments may change throughout the continent,” said the IFF.
Looking specifically at South Africa, besides addressing systemic issues of corruption, some of the most pressing issues that youth in the country believe need to be addressed for the country to progress are:
- Creating and sustaining new, well-paying jobs: South Africa has some of the highest unemployment figures in the world, with the expanded unemployment rate sitting at 42.6%. Youth aged 15-24 and 25-34 continue to have the highest unemployment rates, at 60.8% and 41.7%, respectively.
- Increasing access to basic needs and services: Respondents indicate that the provision of basic services, like electricity, water and sanitation remains inadequate.
- Granting more personal freedoms to citizens.
Overall, the IFF said that African youth paint a cautiously optimistic picture of the future.
The group said that they have greater confidence and better prospects than previous generations, starting businesses and pursuing opportunities abroad. However, they are aware of systemic barriers like corruption, job scarcity, and the climate crisis.”
“Youth are urging politicians and decision-makers across the region to tackle corruption, improve employment prospects, act on climate change, navigate global influence with caution, and create a more prosperous economic climate for young people who are looking to kick-start their careers and futures,” said the IFF.
The full report can be found here.
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