AS graduates face an increasingly competitive job market in the country, some are considering entrepreneurship and further studies as alternatives to formal employment.
Several graduates from the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) said they had been preparing themselves for the challenges of life beyond university, recognising that obtaining a qualification did not guarantee immediate employment.
In interviews with this publication, the graduates shared their plans for navigating the uncertain labour market, with some already running businesses while others are considering self-employment or pursuing further qualifications.
MBULELO NDLOVU — MSC IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
“I am fortunate to have alternative sources of income while seeking opportunities to advance my career. Currently, I am lucky because I am not unemployed as I am running a business and have something to fall back on. I also have a part-time job at the university. The business focuses on multimedia services and I also work as a part-time lecturer at the Institute of Distance Education (IDE). I would remain proactive in seeking employment opportunities despite the challenges facing jobseekers. With the volatile job market and the scarcity of opportunities to enter it, I have not allowed the hardships to control me or dictate how I manoeuvre, because if I do that, there is definitely nothing I will achieve. As a result, I will continue to submit my curriculum vitae (CV) and apply for available positions, despite the possibility of rejection.
For now, I have no specific plan for how to get into the job market, but my best option is to submit my CV and apply. Maybe one day someone is going to pick it up. No matter how many times you get rejected, you keep applying because you miss most opportunities when you do not try.”
KWANDZA FAKUDZE — LLB
“I do not believe that everyone is suited to formal employment. Some are inclined towards entrepreneurship, while others follow the academic route by continuing with their studies. Formal employment is not the only path available to graduates, some could pursue entrepreneurship while others could continue their education.
“Having completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), I am considering self-employment, a route followed by many legal practitioners. As I was doing my Bachelor’s in Law, I learnt that many lawyers are self-employed, hence that is also the route I am thinking of taking. From here, I will complete my articles and then hopefully open my own practice. However, I acknowledged that securing employment remained important, but graduates also need to adapt to changing economic and technological circumstances. Chances of finding a job are very slim in the country, considering the state of the economy and the fact that Eswatini is a less-developed country. However, this does not mean that we should not advance knowledge.”
NONHLE HLATSHWAKO — BA IN HUMANITIES
“Currently, I am a SHEIN runner and have been running the business to support myself as a student at the university. “I hope to expand my entrepreneurial activities by establishing a launderette, and I am waiting for government to process my scholarship allowance to start the business. I feel I should venture into business and undertake other part-time business activities, with the aim of developing them into something bigger so that I can earn a living while waiting for an employment opportunity, which government may offer me. Securing employment after graduation remains difficult, with opportunities limited by the prevailing economic conditions.
“It is true that we are facing a challenge in securing jobs after graduating from university. The truth is that the chances are very slim, depending on your luck.” she said.
NOTHANDO MABILA — BSC IN BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
“I really do not know the chances of getting employed, as many people who graduated before us are still unemployed. Uncertainty about employment prospects has left me considering further studies if I am unable to secure a job. I am hoping to pursue a Master’s Degree in Chemistry to deepen my knowledge and improve my prospect.
