The beginning of every year is marked by familiar routines, people returning to work, children to school, and others to institutions of higher learning.

Yet for many in Alexandra, who fall within the country’s 31.9% unemployment rate, the start of the year serves as a painful reminder of their continued struggle to find work.

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Despite relentless attempts to secure jobs, they continue to grapple with significant barriers. According to Mush Raletjena, leader of the SA Job Seekers Movement, these include lack of experience, skills, limited professional networks, and economic constraints that make breaking into the job market especially tough for young people.

Contrary to the recently criticised remarks by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe, who suggested that unemployed South Africans are lazy and not actively seeking opportunities, Raletjena stressed that many young people in Alexandra are doing everything they can.

“I have seen some super proactive young people using SA Job Seekers Movement, really putting themselves out there, updating their CVs, applying for jobs, and attending our door-to-door campaigns,” he said.

Last year alone, the movement received about 3 500 CVs. While this number is significantly lower than the 15 000 submissions in 2024, it still reflects a community serious about seeking assistance.

Yet not everyone is maximising their chances. Raletjena said some job seekers fall short on basics, such as failing to update CVs, missing interviews, or not following up on leads.

“There are people who blame the system and say, ‘There are jobs, or the government is not doing enough.’ But they aren’t taking proactive steps themselves. They aren’t updating their skills, applying for jobs, or networking. It’s like they are stuck in a rut,” he noted.

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These, he said, are individuals who could do more to move out of the unemployment statistics, and the beginning of the year offers an opportune moment for them to re-examine how they can improve their chances of finding work.

As a leader of an organisation determined to empower job seekers with the tools and support they need, Raletjena emphasised the importance of some existing barriers to employment.

“Maybe the focus should be on bridging those gaps—providing more training, mentorship, and opportunities for young people to get their foot in the door.”

Now, as some continue to fight for opportunities, Raletjena stressed that those willing to put in the work should be supported more, while initiatives to motivate others must also be rolled out.

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