FINALLY: BRAVE GRADUATE LANDS JOB

MBABANE - The graduate who was looking for a job along Happy Valley Road has finally landed the job. In an interview, Simile Masuku could not contain her excitement for the opportunity to work at Mlembe Beverages in Matsapha. She was hired on January 16, as a receptionist on probation. Masuku could not thank her generous boss enough for taking a chance on her and for being kind enough to allow her to do other interviews while she is still under her employment. Masuku, a 24-year-old Business Administration graduate from Moneni, resorted to unconventional job-seeking methods after struggling to find employment despite her qualifications and internship experience.
Not being content with being among the 56 per cent unemployed youth, she took to the streets of Happy Valley Hotel and Casino, carrying a placard highlighting her skills and seeking job opportunities.

Father

“My father was not initially happy about my public display but said he is proud of me for being so strong,” said Masuku. She explained that her father understood where she was coming from, considering that he is currently unemployed. “When I texted my father about getting this job, he sent an audio congratulating me and said he admires my strength” said Masuku excitedly. She went on to explained that in as much as some companies reached out and offered her interviews; all of them would say they’ll get back to her when she called to schedule the interview.

Scammed

She also narrated an instance where she knew she was being scammed, when she received a call from someone claiming to be from the King’s Office who wanted to offer her a job.
“I knew that was not true because that day I publicly asked for a job, I initially wanted to stand near the King’s Office and more than one person informed me that the King’s Office does not hire young people, as the majority of their employees are above 40 years of age,” explained Masuku. This graduate also narrated stories of people calling her, telling her about interviews she will get if she’d agree to meet up in places that are not professional business premises.  “A lot of my former colleagues reached out and told me they are also struggling to get jobs,” said Masuku.

Therefore she said they (unemployed graduates) are concocting a campaign to raise awareness about the plight of graduates in the country. Meanwhile, such scams of opportunists luring desperate women with job prospects, reminded this publication of the worst serial killer Eswatini has had the displeasure to arrest. David Simelane used to lure his victims with the promise of job opportunities and later tied up his victims in forests, sexually assaulted them and stabbed or strangled them with his bare hands, if they resisted too much.
He also beheaded many of them, before or after death. Among his victims were several pregnant women.

desperation

Masuku’s actions reflected the growing frustration and desperation of many young Eswatini graduates who face limited employment options. Her story underscores the broader challenges faced by young people in their pursuit of livelihoods, including systemic issues and personal hardships. The lack of employment opportunities not only impacts individuals, but also has ripple effects onto families and communities, as exemplified by Simile’s sister being unable to attend school due to financial constraints.
While entrepreneurial ambitions offer a potential path forward, challenges such as limited access to capital and the daunting prospect of starting a business, hinder young graduates like Masuku. The summary emphasises points to the need for effective policies and a supportive environment to address youth unemployment and empower young people in Eswatini.

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