SA Job Seekers Movement sets bold targets for 2026
The SA Job Seekers Movement aims to empower 5 000 Alexandra residents in 2026 through training, mentorship, and systemic advocacy, as it intensifies efforts to create sustainable pathways to employment.
SA Job Seekers Movement (SAJSM), led by Mush Raletjena, is determined to make 2026 a year of progress by expanding its reach and sharpening its focus on empowerment.
Last year, the SAJSM’s goal was to empower at least 2 500 jobseekers, and while it may not have reached that target, Raletjena said they were proud of the progress they have made.
“This year, we are aiming higher. We hope to empower at least 5 000 jobseekers through our initiatives, including our door to door campaigns, skills training programmes, and job placement services,” Raletjena said.
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While the organisation’s past initiatives have been impactful, tracking exact outcomes remains difficult. “It is challenging for us to track the exact number of people who secured employment opportunities through SAJSM, as many don’t report back to us after we’ve submitted their CVs,” Raletjena noted.
“However, we know that our efforts have yielded positive results. We have received feedback from [some] individuals who have secured jobs through our campaigns.”
Beyond individual support, SAJSM is pushing for broader reforms to make job seeking more efficient. “Our focus is on creating sustainable pathways to employment, and we are working tirelessly to connect jobseekers with potential employers. We are also advocating for systemic changes, like the Nationalised Job Portal, to make the job search process more efficient and effective.”
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The organisation has also observed that more women are submitting applications than men. But, Raletjena cautioned against misinterpreting this trend.
“Receiving more applications from women does not necessarily mean men are not looking for jobs. It could be a bunch of things, maybe the messaging is not resonating with the guys, or perhaps they are not aware of the opportunities.”
He added that societal expectations around masculinity may discourage men from seeking help. “Some guys might feel like asking for help is a sign of weakness. Plus, let’s be real, job hunting is tough, and it’s easy to get discouraged.”
Despite the challenges, Raletjena said they remained committed to continuing their work with jobseekers, employers, and government stakeholders to create a more inclusive and job rich economy.
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