“The System Is Rigged”: Young Woman Vents About Unemployment, SA Relates
- A young lady shared her raw frustration about South Africa's unemployment crisis, highlighting its wide-ranging impact
- The clip, shared on TikTok, presented a stark depiction of idle citizens in a residential area during a weekday, reflecting a widespread lack of employment opportunities
- Social media users responded with overwhelming empathy, sharing similar feelings of guilt, seeking escape, and recognising the systemic challenges in securing work

Source: TikTok
A compelling recent video shed light on the pervasive issue of unemployment affecting many citizens across the nation.
The clip, shared on TikTok by user @sihlenogwede283, captured the deep-seated frustration experienced by many, resonating strongly with social media users.
In the clip, the young woman standing in a home environment begins her heartfelt account by noting that it is not even 1 pm on a Thursday, yet the street outside is full of people. She observes that there is no way all those individuals are simply off work, concluding they are around because they lack employment. She points out grown men in their forties with nothing to occupy their time, expressing her concern about how much more difficult the situation must be for younger individuals.

Read also
"Honestly, it sounds perfect": Newlywed shares list of non-traditional wedding moments, SA debates
Unseen struggles unfold
She further highlights the false hope of moving to Johannesburg for better prospects, stating that even the perceived 'greener pastures' no longer offer opportunities. Her emotional rant also touches on the profound guilt associated with unemployment; she explains that even buying something small, like a hamburger for personal happiness, leads to feelings of undeservedness.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
She then shared her struggle as an unemployed degree holder. The TikTok user argues that expecting graduates to possess three years of experience immediately after leaving school sets them up for inevitable failure. Her final point suggests that, rather than qualifications, connections secure most jobs in the country.

Source: Getty Images
Mzansi shares sentiments on the rant
The powerful video resonated with numerous social media users who shared identical sentiments regarding the unemployment crisis. Many expressed empathy for those struggling, noting they no longer judged individuals who frequently consumed alcohol in townships. They noted that it serves as an escape from harsh daily realities.

Read also
"We're rooting for you": 26-year-old mother's return to high school inspires resilience and hope
Some admitted feeling guilty even for small purchases, like a cold drink, echoing @sihlenogwede283's feelings of unentitlement in the face of joblessness. Others, however, suggested that individuals should not solely depend on corporate employment but should also actively explore other avenues and means of generating income.
User @Peezle said:
"The system is rigged, kubi phandl’apha (it's tough out there) 😪."
User @Kraven Khumalo shared:
"Go to any department of labour, and you will see life itself for white and brown people. We're all there signing up for unemployment."
User @brotalks5 commented:
"Some people enjoy unemployment."
User @Vhalaudzi added:
"It's bad."
User @chess shared:
"Bavuka basele utywala siba judge kodwa abana choice (they wake up and go drink alcohol, and we judge them afterwards, as if they have a choice)."
User @FollowMyWifeSamantha🇿🇦 said:
"Kukhona imsebenzi e exploit abantu kuphela (then some jobs exploit people) where you will get paid 4500 to 5500 maximum, lapho rent nokudla ku (that time ewt and food) is expensive."

Read also
"The world needs more people like you": SA loves employer's home rules for her domestic worker
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News articles about unemployment
- A local man asked his followers if there was a time limit to supporting an unemployed partner, sparking a significant debate.
- A man who lost his job in 2020 opened a food establishment that turned into a booming business in Johannesburg.
- Briefly News previously reported on a husband who shared a moving post about his wife's support after he lost his job in 2020.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News