You’ve just graduated, you look towards the horizon. Wow I have achieved, I’ve made myself and my family proud! I’ve made my mark and have placed my family name on the map, setting a standard for the younger ones after me to follow suite.
Now what’s next, am I going to find that internship or position that will fulfill my dreams. That apartment, my first car, shopping and mingling with my peers, that post that will set me up and be the return of investment for my hard work at college, and for my parents? Or will I have a long despair sitting at home, desperately applying for post after post published on the recruitment websites.
Many graduates across the country languish at the bleak expectation of not knowing their fate after graduating on their various disciplines. Even a gamble is far from illustrating their disturbing plight. It is like being punished for doing a good thing. How insulting is the status quo that even when you achieved outstanding results, you still join the queue of job hopefuls?
For many who got tired of applying and have given up, it is as if, if you don’t have anyone connected to government institutions or the corporate world, your chances are slimmer to get an employ or any form of employment while time passes by. Some of your peers have started the journey of life, accomplishing stuff while you look on.
But on the brighter side some have learnt a new skill or developed concepts that are related to their field of study and turned it into productive and successful entrepreneurial ventures. So it is no doom and gloom while some have innovated existing products and services and made a killing of it, far surpassing their counterparts on a day job.
The South African youth are an amazing breed, their thinking is far more advanced, they know how to make use of technology to their advantage. They have global presence and do not have social backgrounds as an obstacle. They penetrate all levels of society, resilient and determined, they make their presence felt. They are susceptible to most global ventures and fellowships, be it the arts, science or business investments, they truly dig up. So to those hoping to make our youngsters lives a misery by denying them employment opportunities, watch this space!
Jerry Sokhupe Soweto Sunrise News
