This paper examines the perspectives of the Department of Employment and Labour employees and jobseekers on the usage of the Employment Services South Africa (ESSA) system. The system's primary aim is to place unemployed South Africans in available job opportunities by facilitating information sharing between employers and jobseekers based on the jobseekers’ qualifications and experience. Data was collected from 34 respondents, including employees of the Department of Employment and Labour and jobseekers, through qualitative interviews. The findings revealed that many unemployed jobseekers did not effectively use the ESSA system. While the ESSA system is valued by the Department of Employment and Labour employees, its adoption, perceived usefulness, accuracy, and effectiveness among jobseekers are lacking. The system still struggles with low visibility, a lack of awareness, and trust among jobseekers, who often look elsewhere for effective recruitment.
employment services South Africa, job seeker, public employment services, Department of Employment and Labour
Akhonamaqwabe Gumede. Corresponding author. Masters in Public Administration student at the School of Public Management and Administration, University of Pretoria. His research interest focuses on labour studies. Email: u21773689@tuks.co.za
Stellah Lubinga. Senior Lecturer at the University of Pretoria’s School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA). Her research focus is on digital governance and service delivery. Email: stellah.lubinga@up.ac.za
Tyanai Masiya. Professor at the University of Pretoria’s School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA). His research focus is on public service delivery, citizenship and democracy as well as local government management. Email: tyanai.masiya@up.ac.za
Michel Tshiyoyo. Professor at the University of Pretoria’s School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA). His research focus is on Leadership and Governance, Management Techniques, Organisational Studies, Public Financial Management. Email: michel.tshiyoyo@up.ac.za
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Cite this article:
Gumede, A., Lubinga, S., Masiya, T. & Tshiyoyo, M. (2024). Employment Services South Africa usage: Perspectives from jobseekers and employees. International Review of Social Sciences Research, 4(4), 125-147. https://doi.org/10.53378/irssr.353135
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