YOUTH unemployment goes beyond numbers. It is a skills access problem according to Kingsburgh Child and Family Welfare social worker Sandra Govender who recently hosted a skills-building workshop alongside fellow NPO, Amanzimtoti Trauma Unit.

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The workshop took place opposite the NPO’s thrift shop and focused on equipping young people with vital CV writing and interviewing skills.

“Empowering young people with practical skills development, especially CV writing and job-market readiness, is the bridge between education and employment. A degree opens the door, but a strong CV and interview skills get you through it,” explained Govender.

She added that too many graduates in KZN and across South Africa leave school or university knowing theory, but not how to market themselves.

“They can’t translate skills into language employers understand. That’s where CV workshops, digital literacy, mock interviews, and workplace etiquette training change outcomes. These ‘soft’ skills are actually hard currency in the job market,” she said.

Participants received a curated skills pack including a checklist for job applications, daily goals, comprehensive information on the job market and recruitment agencies and more.

Govender emphasised that investment in youth employment reduces their dependency, drives entrepreneurship and empowers the future workforce.  

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