By Sherrie Donaldson
Sherrie Donaldson of Harambee Youth Employment delivered a powerful speech at a recent Kasi2Kasi meeting that was held at Soweto. Here is the speech.
Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik
Harambee is a not-for-profit social enterprise that works with partners to reduce youth unemployment. This is important as out of 1 million youth entering the labour market every year, two thirds will end up unemployed and not in education or training. We also know that it costs young people approximately R1,500 per month to look for work, including costs for data, printing and transportation. This is a huge financial burden, especially if you are not earning any money.
As a school learner I am sure you want to avoid becoming one of these statistics. Harambee aims to help young people get into the world of work. One of the things that we do to help young people is operate a platform called sayouth.mobi on behalf of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative. Learners, if you know anyone who is unemployed, please encourage them to sign up.
Teachers, consider signing up as well to support your learners with resources from SA Youth. On SA Youth we have information about:
- Careers in high-growth sectors,
- How to Make Your Own Money,
- Learning opportunities such as online courses, and
- Various types of jobs (including short and long term, internships, work-based learning, learnerships and apprenticeships).
In addition to SA Youth, we have a toll-free support line 0800 72 72 72 and provide support across all social media platforms. I am part of a team that works with partners to get jobs onto SA Youth and that encourages companies to change how they look for talented young people, such as yourselves. My advice to learners is to build your profile that will make you the best possible candidate for a job or business support opportunities.
- Start a hustle or small business – it’s an excellent way to gain valuable life and business skills.
- Volunteer in your community to learn important soft skills such as leadership, communication and marketing amongst others, while making a positive impact.
- Use free WIFI around you to do free online courses and FINISH them.
- Learn how to use the tools of business, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and others to help you get ready for the world of work.
- Research jobs and careers in sectors you are interested in to uncover unexpected opportunities. This is important so you don’t discard sectors that could be relevant to you.
Supplied by Sherrie Donaldson
For example, at Autoweek in 2024, a learner said the event was interesting but not for them as they were interested in a digital career – unaware of all the digital roles within the automotive sector, which include:
- Websites such as WeBuyCars
- Digital marketing programmes
- Customer service systems o Electronic and digital systems in cars
- Robotics in automotive production – Research new jobs that are coming, such as the Digital Process Technician role recently added to SA Youth.
- This position combines digital skills such as 3D printing, robotics, coding with manufacturing, opening doors to exciting career paths.
– Don’t only think about university. Consider technical jobs – they also pay well. For instance, some specialist welders earn up to R90,000 per month and many technical careers allow you to start your own business.
My neighbour is a great example, he runs a successful plumbing business, is always busy, earns well and enjoys the freedom of being his own boss. You are South Africa’s future talent and leaders. Use SA Youth as a powerful tool to help yourself and uplift your community. The opportunities are endless – seize them
