“Start a Small Business”: Woman With 6 Qualifications Complains About Unemployment, SA Advises

• A woman shared her disappointment over struggling to find a job, despite holding six educational qualifications
• The heartbreaking post was shared on TikTok, where it went viral, with many social media users offering a mix of advice and words of encouragement
• Social media users expressed empathy and offered a range of advice, from spiritual guidance to career tips, in an effort to help her find employment

A local woman shared her heartbreaking story of struggling to find employment despite her impressive educational background.

The post, shared by TikTok user @pontsomamaile, received an outpouring of comments from a concerned public.

The young woman posted a picture showing her six academic certificates, including her Senior Certificate, Certificates of Achievement from N4 to N6, a Diploma in Financial Management, and another from UNISA.

The rise of unemployed graduates

She captioned the photo expressing her hopelessness, saying she has never gotten a job or internship, despite holding six qualifications. The six certificates laid out side by side symbolised a journey of hard work and dedication.

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The challenge of graduate unemployment

Despite South Africa's high overall unemployment rate, a significant number of individuals with tertiary qualifications are also struggling to find work. The issue highlights a growing mismatch between the skills produced by the education system and the demands of the labour market. A Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) by Statistics South Africa, the unemployment rate for graduates stood at 9.6% in the first quarter of 2024.

While this is a lower figure than the overall national unemployment rate, it remains a considerable challenge, indicating that a university degree is no longer a guaranteed path to employment. This ongoing issue is intensified by a slow-growing economy and a highly competitive job market.

Mzansi debates the rise of unemployment

The comments section was flooded with various advice and motivational words from viewers who wished to help. Several social media users said that education alone was not enough, advising @pontsomamaile to pray and even fast to find a job. Some who understood her frustration well offered practical advice. They said she should apply with fewer qualifications and only reveal her full list of certificates once employed, as her many qualifications might make her overqualified for posts. Others shared job vacancies at some banks, government departments, and even the South African Police Service (SAPS).

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User @dePre88 shared:

"I stopped applying for jobs in 2016. I decided a long time ago to behave like a foreigner in my own country. I learned computer basics and opened a printing shop with two computers and one black and white printer. Today, I have seven employees, many computers and many printers. In fact, we are preparing to print over 1,3 million matric Exam papers in the next two weeks. Don't give up, start a small business and be patient."

User @TM said:

"There are Trasnet opportunities available for you guys, apply ASAP."

User @Pertunia Maphefo Mad shared:

"Start applying with your matric certificate, and only when they hire you, then reveal all your qualifications. I hope this will help because you will be a threat to those on the interview panel. Just try this, my sister, to avoid being overqualified."

User @Buthane Mavin advised:

"Do it my way. I volunteered at different organisations for free to gain experience. You may approach different SETAs for funding at a later stage."

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User @Tebza Molefe commented:

"You need to pray, start talking good things about your life, and the universe will respond. I'm encouraging you to do this because I don't even have matric, but I'm working a good job. When I update my CV, I don't even think of including my matric statement of results."

User @yuyuza shared:

"Nepotism is killing us."

Watch the TikTok video below:

The South African Government of National Unity (GNU) is actively funding and supporting small businesses through various initiatives and programs. The aim is to boost entrepreneurship and create jobs like:

1. Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFA): SEFA provides financial assistance to small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that struggle to access commercial credit. This support is crucial for businesses in their growth and development stages.
2. Spaza Shop Support Fund: Launched by the Department of Small Business Development, this fund targets township and rural spaza shops. It offers a combination of working capital and business support services to enhance their operations.
3. Technology Innovation Agency (TIA): TIA offers funding through various programs, including the Technology Development Fund and the Youth Technology Innovation Fund, aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among young South Africans.

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South African woman’s career shift: From hustling on the streets to serving as a police officer

3 Briefly News article about unemployment

• A young lady shared her frustration about South Africa's unemployment crisis, highlighting its wide-ranging impact on the young and old.
• A local man asked his followers if there was a time limit to supporting an unemployed partner, sparking a significant debate.
• A man who lost his job in 2020 opened a food establishment that turned into a booming business in Johannesburg.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News