Mzansi Woman Shares Powerful Post Highlighting Graduate Struggles in South Africa's Tough Job Market
- A young woman from Mzansi shared a powerful post that resonated with many, shedding light on the realities faced by graduates in today’s tough job market
- Her emotional video drew widespread attention online, highlighting the gap between academic achievement and employment opportunities for young professionals
- Mzansi peeps flooded the comments with support and encouragement, turning her story into a broader conversation about perseverance and hope amid rising unemployment
A young woman from Mzansi has captured the attention of social media users after sharing a deeply relatable post about her journey from graduation day to her current reality.
Source: TikTok
The post, which has since sparked an emotional response online, highlights the challenges many graduates face in securing employment aligned with their qualifications.
In the video, the woman who goes by the TikTok handle @sitholemakhanyi proudly shared a picture of herself dressed to the nines in her graduation gown, holding her Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase certificate. Her bright smile reflected the joy and hope that come with completing years of hard work and dedication. However, the tone of her post took a more sombre turn as she revealed what she is doing now.
@sitholemakhanyi then uploaded a contrasting image of herself wearing a retail store uniform, revealing that she currently works as a packer. The side-by-side comparison of her graduation photo and her current job struck a chord with many South Africans who could relate to the struggle of unemployment and underemployment among graduates.
According to the South African Government statistics in the second quarter of 2025, the official unemployment rate in South Africa was 33.2%. During the same time period, the expanded unemployment rate was 42.9%. The youth unemployment rate is even higher, at 62.2% for those between the ages of 16 and 24.
The social media user @sitholemakhanyi's video gained traction since it was posted on 7th November 2025 on TikTok, with Mzansi netizens filling the comment section with messages of support and encouragement.
Source: TikTok
SA reacts to the woman's career journey path
Many applauded her honesty and courage as they commended her for choosing to work hard and remain hopeful despite the tough job market. Others expressed sadness at the reality that so many qualified graduates are unable to find jobs in their fields of study.
Lesedi Moagi said:
"Come to South Korea, babe."
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"Girl, apply for teaching online 🥺."
Snikiwelns stated:
"Guys, try going overseas, South Korea, China and Dubai, do not limit yourself. Yes might be hard, but at least you will be earning enough to wipe your tears 🥹❤️."
Lebogang Thipe wrote:
"Go abroad, baby. Use that qualification abroad 🥺."
Okmfatfree03 commented:
"God will bless you with a permanent teaching job, sis wam .❤️🙏🏼✨I decree and declare that in Jesus’s name."
Zama replied:
"Same, sis, let's continue to pray and hope for the best."
Mr Handsome commented:
"So, you guys are saying packing is not a job 😭 guys, those reading wgo may be doing those jobs."
Watch the video below:
Employment stories from SA
- Briefly News reported on a young woman who broke down in tears in a viral TikTok video as she shared her emotional experience of securing employment.
- A mortuary worker opened up about the harsh and often heartbreaking realities of her profession in a candid TikTok video that touched many South Africans, revealing the emotional toll of working with the deceased and the profound impact it has on mental health.
- A young man went viral after sharing the unspoken truths about pursuing a teaching career in South Africa.
Source: Briefly News
