It’s every graduate’s dream to find employment straight after completing their qualification, but for Neo Mohlala, it took three years to get an opportunity to kick-start a career in media and stakeholder relations.
With a National Diploma in Public Relations and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, both from the University of South Africa (Unisa), Neo was starting to lose hope of finding his dream job.
“It was a joyous celebration when I completed my first qualification, but soon after that, my elation turned into a nightmare after several unsuccessful applications for internships in private and public organisations. Sometimes I didn’t even have a cent to go drop off my CVs at the hiring institutions, that’s how bad it was,” says Mohlala.
After months of idling at home, with hope for employment slowly dissipating, Mohlala returned to university to study education, hoping he would finally be hired as a teacher so he can be able to provide for his family. “I didn’t study teaching because it’s something I am passionate about, but out of desperation to earn a living. Even after I completed a teaching qualification I still didn’t get a job,” explains the 28-year-old.
But Mohlala’s fortunes improved when the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) recruited him as an intern in Public Relations and Stakeholder Management in March 2020. “I’m super excited about this opportunity to earn experience that will enable me to find permanent employment in the future. I've always wanted to work for the JRA after a friend told me about this City-owned entity,” he says.
Like Neo, Dakalo Luvhimbi, a BCom Economics graduate struggled to secure an internship immediately after completing his degree. Following seven gruelling months of working in the retail industry to make ends meet, Luvhimbi applied successfully for an internship at the City. “My appointment as an intern was a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to work for the City because it’s one of the biggest municipalities in the country,” says Luvhimbi excitedly.
He worked briefly in Supply Chain Management, being exposed to contract management, record and risk management, demand management and management support. A month before his internship ended, the 27-year-old was permanently appointed at the Environmental Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) as an Office Administrator: Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement.
“My permanent appointment is a result of hard work, willingness to learn and doing what’s beyond expected. During my internship, I learned how to interact with people, to be professional, handle confidential information and to always trust myself. The skills I acquired have come in handy in my new position,” Luvhimbi adds.
Both Mohlala and Luvhimbi are continuing their studies.
The municipality and its entities offer Joburg based graduates an opportunity to kick-start their careers each year through a formalised internship programme. The City encourages young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to visit its website www.joburg.org.za regularly to check for available opportunities, as it continues to fight the scourge of unemployment in the metro.
Written by Takalani Sioga
