North West Man Unemployed for 16 Years Pleads for Help in Emotional Video
- James Bowyer, a North West farm resident, filmed an emotional video describing 16 years without work and life with no water or electricity
- Bowyer also revealed his elderly epileptic father cannot access a pension due to missing documentation
- Thousands of South Africans watched the video and flooded the comments with advice and offers of help
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Source: Facebook
James Bowyer, a South African man living on a farm in Ward 17 of the Greater Taung Local Municipality in North West, filmed a raw outdoor video that was shared on 13 September 2026, asking the public for advice after 16 years of unemployment.
Standing on a dusty dirt road with hazy mountains behind him, Bowyer addressed South Africa directly. He said he has no water and no electricity at home, and that a water tanker is delivered to him just once a month. His mother passed away two years ago, and his elderly father, who suffers from epilepsy, cannot access a pension because he lacks the documentation required to be recognised as a South African citizen.
"For 16 years, this government has done nothing for us," Bowyer said. "I live in a farm that is empty. All I want to do is start a little business, and I cannot."
Life in ward 17
Bowyer called out his local councillor by name, saying the official drives a brand-new vehicle while he walks dirt roads on foot.
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His frustration is not unique. South Africa's unemployment rate rose to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026, with 8.5 million people out of work according to Statistics South Africa. The expanded rate, which includes discouraged workers, climbs to 43.8%.
Mzansi responds to the Video
South Africans in the comments section on the Facebook page came forward with practical suggestions and words of encouragement:
@Scott Merrifield wrote:
"If your father is from UK, he is entitled to a British pension, although it will only be half. He might be entitled to a disability pension credit."
@Daryl Sogot suggested:
"Get chickens and sell eggs."
@Madudu Nzimande said:
"Just hang on there brother. Things are about to change, we are voting FF+ into power."
@Jonty Cornah responded:
"If you want something you have to go out and get it yourself like everyone else. Can't rely on hand outs from government. Start your own business. Provide a service and do it with pride and integrity."
@Hennie Van Eeden offered:
"I can help you to detect underground water."
@Pieter Von Abo wrote:
"Let's help this guy and many, regardless of race."
Watch James Bowyer share his story in the video below:
More on SA employment
- Briefly News recently reported on a former domestic worker who turned her own hardship into a multi-million-rand business helping others find formal employment.
- A mayoral candidate's plan to tackle unemployment through job insourcing drew sharp criticism online for how he framed his approach to governance.
- The staggering number of applications SAPS received for its latest recruitment drive, and what it revealed about the demand for jobs.
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Source: Briefly News
