Author brings Rising From Unemployment tour to Thembisa
Mthembu on a journey to uplift business minded persons.
Author and entrepreneur Siyabonga Mthembu has embarked on his Rising From Unemployment tour across Gauteng, hosting keynote speeches and panel discussions aimed at helping unemployed community members unlock pathways to opportunity.
After launching the tour in Oliven, Mthembu brought the initiative to his childhood community, Thembisa, uniting residents at the Moses Molelekwa Arts Centre on July 11 to share practical strategies for overcoming unemployment.
As the country’s unemployment rate continues to rise, many Thembisa residents are feeling the pressure, and Mthembu’s mission is to help them plan a way forward.
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Through his books and talks, he encourages residents to make a name for themselves by pursuing entrepreneurship and investment opportunities.
An author, entrepreneur, professional speaker and sales expert, Mthembu has extensive knowledge in helping people find or create employment.
The Thembisa event featured a panel of prominent community voices, including Noah Moleya of TELTA, Queen Milly, Thulisile Mgigi, Prince Mkhize, Bishop Michael Mtshali of FBOs, and representatives of the Mangena Community Forum.
Mthembu said his journey is about bringing hope while challenging business owners to employ others and encouraging the unemployed to create their opportunities.
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“This is part of my 100-day commitment to visit various areas in Gauteng, teaching communities how to rise from unemployment and build their futures,” he said.
“It is a movement to uplift business owners to not only employ themselves but to employ others, and to encourage unemployed groups to create their opportunities rather than waiting for handouts.”
He shared that the first event had already made an impact, with one attendee receiving a job offer on the day.
“Going forward, we plan to establish a club aligned with this tour, where we will educate communities about finding, creating, and establishing jobs,” Mthembu said.
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“At each stop, we research key players within the area to ensure these engagements are impactful and relatable.”
Prince Mkhize of Ubukhosi Printworks, one of the panellists, emphasised the importance of discipline in business.
“I have been in business for a long time, and I am grateful to have been part of this event,” Mkhize said.
“Discipline is key in this journey, and it has guided me while running businesses here in Thembisa. Despite limited resources, it is possible to succeed, but it requires discipline.”
The event was well received, with strong participation from unemployed job seekers, recent graduates, community leaders, and self-employed individuals, who engaged actively with the panel throughout the session.
