causes and various innovative ways to curb employment syndrome
Answers
Employment syndrome refers to the mentality that one will always have to work for another person to earn a living.
Causes for employment syndrome
Zimbabwe has one of the most unequal societies in the world. Less than 5% of the population monopolise 70% of the nation's income. 76% of the population is on or below the poverty line. There is more than 60% unemployment.
The Economic Structural Adjustment Programme was started in Zimbabwe in 1990. In 1991 - 1992 on of the worst droughts occurred in Zimbabwe. This was a major disaster because 70% of the population was living in the rural areas and was dependent on agriculture. Due to the drought a large number of people migrated to the urban areas in search of employment.
Another drought occurred in 1995 - 1996 which worsened the economic situation.
Unemployment increased due to retrenchments and business closures. By 2001 nearly 6000 jobs were lost in different sectors of the economy. Unemployment increased further in 2002 because the government could not create opportunities to stimulate industrial expansion.
The reasons for unemployment are:
1. Sluggish investment and growth
2. The investment or business environment is unfriendly.
3. Weak export performance.
4. Population growth rate and age structure.
5. Poor macroeconomic policy.
6. The reliance on primary products is suboptimal.
7. Tertiary education.
Ways to curb employment syndrome
1. A comprehensive national employment policy should be developed in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
2. A multi-sectoral approach should be adopted. The relevant ministries, civil society organizations should work together to solve the problem of unemployment.
3. The curriculum should be revised. Education and training should be compatible with the needs of the industry.
4. Career guidance and counselling sessions should be held so that students know about the skill requirements of the economy and can make informed decisions.
5. A Labour Market Information System should be established to monitor labour market trends. It can help in designing, planning and monitoring programmes and policies for employment generation.
6. A comprehensive income policy should be introduced to address the discrepancies in salaries in the public and private sectors.
7. There should be an efficient apprenticeship system.
8. There should be a loan and grant scheme to help the needy to finance their education in technical colleges and universities and in vocational training colleges.
9. The government, international NGOs and civil society organizations can provide resources to the youth to support their development.
10. Entrepreneurship education should be established and strengthened in schools and tertiary institutions. This will encourage entrepreneurial culture among the youth and facilitate self-employment.