Graduates desperate for work are taking to the streets to find employment because there’s no response to the hundreds of job applications they continue to send.
The latest youngster to take to a busy intersection is 24-year-old Hector Hlanganisa Mbatha‚ who has a qualification in public relations from the Vaal University of Technology and has three years’ work experience.
Also read: Another chemical engineering graduate is begging for a job at robots
Neatly dressed in a navy-blue suit‚ grey pants‚ a tie and shined shoes‚ Mbatha carries 40 copies of his CV and his academic qualifications in a small backpack.
He stands on the corner of William Nicol and Jan Smuts Avenue in Hyde Park with a white board hanging from his neck in the hope of attracting an employer.
He has followed the lead of a chemical engineering graduate from the University of Johannesburg‚ Sello Mokate‚ who took to the R104 and R24 intersection in Rustenburg‚ North West‚ to look for a job.
Last month a young woman by the name of Anthea Malwandle‚ who holds a BTech degree from the Vaal University of Technology‚ landed a job interview with chemical giant Sasol after she stood on the streets of Rosebank‚ Johannesburg‚ in her search for work.
“I don’t know what else to do. I can’t stay at home and hope for a manna from heaven. I needed to get up and do something‚” said Mbatha‚ who is originally from Newcastle‚ Kwa-Zulu Natal.
He left home two weeks ago to live with his two older brothers in Katlehong on the East Rand until he finds employment.
“The first day of standing by the robots was the hardest. I was hopeful but got discouraged by some motorists who pass by here and look at me in a demeaning manner‚” he said.
“But you find those people who always say nice things like ‘all the best’ and ‘you will get a job’ - and some people bring sandwiches for me and water.”
The hopeful young man said he had received two calls for interviews and one potential job offer from a businessman.
After qualifying‚ he completed his internship with the Department of International Relations and Co-operation in March and has been unemployed since then. His skills include speech writing for government officials‚ knowledge in international relations and public relation.
“At this point I am willing to take whatever it is that I can find … that money goes a long way for me.”
— TMG Digital
Graduates search for work on street corners
Graduates desperate for work are taking to the streets to find employment because there’s no response to the hundreds of job applications they continue to send.
The latest youngster to take to a busy intersection is 24-year-old Hector Hlanganisa Mbatha‚ who has a qualification in public relations from the Vaal University of Technology and has three years’ work experience.
Also read: Another chemical engineering graduate is begging for a job at robots
Neatly dressed in a navy-blue suit‚ grey pants‚ a tie and shined shoes‚ Mbatha carries 40 copies of his CV and his academic qualifications in a small backpack.
He stands on the corner of William Nicol and Jan Smuts Avenue in Hyde Park with a white board hanging from his neck in the hope of attracting an employer.
He has followed the lead of a chemical engineering graduate from the University of Johannesburg‚ Sello Mokate‚ who took to the R104 and R24 intersection in Rustenburg‚ North West‚ to look for a job.
Last month a young woman by the name of Anthea Malwandle‚ who holds a BTech degree from the Vaal University of Technology‚ landed a job interview with chemical giant Sasol after she stood on the streets of Rosebank‚ Johannesburg‚ in her search for work.
“I don’t know what else to do. I can’t stay at home and hope for a manna from heaven. I needed to get up and do something‚” said Mbatha‚ who is originally from Newcastle‚ Kwa-Zulu Natal.
He left home two weeks ago to live with his two older brothers in Katlehong on the East Rand until he finds employment.
“The first day of standing by the robots was the hardest. I was hopeful but got discouraged by some motorists who pass by here and look at me in a demeaning manner‚” he said.
“But you find those people who always say nice things like ‘all the best’ and ‘you will get a job’ - and some people bring sandwiches for me and water.”
The hopeful young man said he had received two calls for interviews and one potential job offer from a businessman.
After qualifying‚ he completed his internship with the Department of International Relations and Co-operation in March and has been unemployed since then. His skills include speech writing for government officials‚ knowledge in international relations and public relation.
“At this point I am willing to take whatever it is that I can find … that money goes a long way for me.”
— TMG Digital
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos