Thomas Johnson - Economics Blog

When my employer informed me in 2012 of my dismissal, they said I would easily find work because my skills were in "demand”. I wondered in which universe they lived. It’s common knowledge, except to those who live hermetically sheltered lives, that it’s difficult for most people in South Africa to find work, except uniquely specialised professionals, affirmative action candidates and cronies of politicians. The media continuously reports people in high places who have fake qualifications, particularly in the public sector – teachers to chief executives - but in many cases earn exorbitant salaries. How is this possible? For my discipline, I hold an honours degree in economics with passes in management accounting and auditing, and over ten years experience. For the industry sector I’ve chosen to work in I hold a master’s degree in urban management. These qualify me as an expert or specialist in urban economics. Business organisations, government and politicians keep...

Drawing from personal experience, people I know and economic reports, I think there is more to South Africa’s skills shortage than the alleged non-existence of those skills. I’m sure they are there but are not being properly utilised. The “shortage” is consequence of labour politics, the economy and prejudices of employers. Having been unemployed and unable to find work in my specialisation of accounting, to which I devoted almost 20 years study and work, I realised the field is closed to me and must move on. Economists will say I’m a “discouraged job seeker” and will not be counted as unemployed – to be unemployed one must be actively looking for work. Realistically, I probably won’t have another permanent job again. I was the finance officer and accountant for a non-profit organisation in Cape Town. In September 2012, out of the blue, management called me to a meeting. A retrenchment consultant - like the George Clooney movie Up In The Air , told me I allegedly “cost too m...