Finding a way to earn a living is a massive challenge for South African youth. Often, the problem is perceived as one of education, but the reality is that even with a degree many young graduating South Africans struggle to find employment.
In a recessionary economy, the country’s apartheid past still carries a lot of negative momentum. Many local youths don’t have access to the personal networks required to land a good job interview, and equal numbers lack on-the-job experience. Both factors count heavily against debt laden graduates, who risk becoming permanently trapped on the outside of the job market, looking in.
Career Steezy is a new, nation-wide campus orientated digital content channel that will help students get to grips with these challenges – while there’s still time to think about them, and develop an appropriate strategy.
“It is possible to secure solid employment, even in these difficult times,” says Menzi Mndebele at BlackBold Media, the company behind Career Steezy TV. “But you have to be fresh. You must be ready, and equipped with the tools and knowledge that will allow you to make an impact. In a cut-throat environment, it’s not enough to just float down the river. You must stand out. Therefore, we chose the name we did – it captures the spirit graduates need to embrace to rise up and be seen.”
Steezy is a South African slang term for ‘Fresh’, and this ethos is captured in campus content that showcases great careers, discusses the subjects’ students need to pursue to make those careers real, and drills into the details of finally cracking your industry of choice.
“The channel will broadcast to most, if not all, South African colleges and universities,” says Mndebele. “Our research indicated that a lot of graduates are unemployed because they haven’t identified and followed career opportunities while studying. In addition, often when they do find opportunities after graduating they are unable to take hold of them because they lack the soft skills necessary to interview well, or start their own business. Career Steezy TV will help students understand these challenges, and how to face them, before the need arises.”
Career focused content is a vital resource for students, given the troubled state of the South African employment landscape. In 2016, Stats SA released research carried out between 2009-2014. According to the research, the jobless rate among 15 – 35 year olds grew from 34.2% in 2009 to 35.9% in 2014. Equally, of South Africa’s five million unemployed people, 3.5 million are under the age of 35, while a full 175 .000 are graduates.
Mndebele is quick to point out that, despite this dire socio-economic context, there are options out there for qualified young adults – if they know what to look for, and where to look for it. Such options include learner ships, internships, holiday jobs and bursary placements, to name a few.
Career Steezy TV will broadcast daily updates across many topics affecting tertiary students and those about to face the employment challenge. The content – broadcast through an app – will boost awareness around key subjects, with different shows casting light on the various changes taking place in different job markets. The channel will place a strong focus on content that helps students manage the transition to the job market by developing understanding and focussed, practical skills.
Career Steezy will also feature occasional content that caters to matriculants, including items on how to apply for NSFAS study aid, how to locate and apply for bursaries and how to approach accommodation in your first year.
Key subjects to be covered by the channel include:
- Understanding the business world
- Apprenticeships
- Job Opportunities
- Internships
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Bursaries
Within these broad themes, Career Steezy has developed a range of specific programming, to be fronted by the hottest local production and presentation talent.
“The programming themes and the specific shows have been developed to be obviously fresh in terms of the value of the information they offer, and their atmosphere and vibe,” concludes Mndebele. “Yes, times are tricky, but we want our youth to feel empowered and able by providing role models they can relate to, learn from and enjoy.”
Career Steezy launches on Thursday 22nd June:
Time: 13:00 – 15:00
Venue: Rosebank College, Braamfontein Campus
Address: Braamfontein Centre, 23 Jorissen St, Johannesburg, 2017
