By Palesa Ndinisa
The youth from Ekurhuleni speak about how unemployment has not stopped them from making ends meet although they have qualifications. According to an article from Statistics South Africa, youth unemployment rate has increased from 44,6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46,1% in the first quarter of 2025.
Karabo Molokele, a 28-year-old Journalism graduate from UNISA,residing in Springs expressed how stressful it is to be a graduate and unemployed. “For now, I apply for government internships and learnerships and it’s by grace that my application gets accepted. However, this type of work is mostly for a year or two, depending on the company. After then, it’s back to unemployment again. Most companies in South Africa tell us that there’s no money, therefore they can’t employ us full time. I recently graduated with my Communication Science degree and it’s daunting that I’ll still seek a job because my contract ends month end of June,” added Molokele. With the age restriction of most learnships being for people aged 18 to 35 in the government sector, Molokele expressed concern on this ,saying she feels that time may not be on her side if there is no change in our economic situation.
Gugu Nkosi, a 26-year-old from Tsakane has a Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain, as well as a Higher Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Management. Nkosi revealed that she gained experience in retail and she worked while studying. “I suffered major depression while working in retail. I resorted to studying full time thinking that it would get better but it has not. I’m keeping my faith in God hoping that He will hear my prayers. For now, I do make up as a side hustle just to keep afloat and help out at home. I’m applying for jobs, but nothing has come my way yet. South African government fails us so much as graduates. We’re told to study and make something of ourselves, but criminals seem to live comfortably. But it’s important to keep an open mind and find ways to make money legitimately,” said Nkosi.
Molokele added that she started her business of reselling products from China and hopes she is able to make enough money to sustain a living.
