THE STATE OF YOUTH WELL-BEING IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC - EMERGING KEY FINDINGS

THE STATE OF YOUTH WELL-BEING IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC July 2020 This fact sheet presents some of the key findings of a survey of South Africa’s youth that was conducted between 29 April and 21 May 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. [...] EMERGING KEY FINDINGS The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown have led to multiple and abrupt shocks in young people’s lives: education came to a halt when schools and universities were closed, and the closure of most businesses led to the loss of income for those who were employed. [...] 44 FACT SHEET WELLBEING AND SUPPORT AFTER LOCKDOWN Given the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown on young people’s livelihoods, it was not surprising to find that their requests for support from government and communities reflected the wish to get themselves back on to a path of learning and/or work. [...] • The most preferred support from their families after the lockdown Support needed by youth from Support needed by youth from were financial support (51%); allow the government after lockdown the community after lockdown them time to “figure out [their] life” (41%), study support (39%) and learning opportunities (34%). [...] 55 FACT SHEET ABOUT THE YOUTH WHO COMPLETED THE SURVEY • The majority of survey respondents were in the age group 20 – 24 years, male, and black.