The Western Cape has seen the biggest spike in unemployment since the start of the year. But unemployment is not just about statistics. In this Cape Times series, people with various qualifications talk about their struggle to find work and how they have battled to cope.
NQABA MBEMBE, 22
Qualification: Matric
Unemployed: Seven months
“Over the last seven months, I feel I have been a burden to my mother. She raised my brother and me, all by herself. It’s tough because I can’t contribute to the household.
I have done odd jobs but finding permanent work or work with good pay is tough. I can’t get a job because I have no experience. But how am I supposed to get experience without getting a job? I can’t even count how many places I have on my CV: the airport, security agencies, at cash and carrys. Nowhere are people willing to hire me. I went to Simunye High School in Delft South. In my matric year, I did not apply to study further because I had failed my June exam. I thought I would not get accepted into any university. But in December I was happy to see that I had passed. I have applied to study HR. I heard there are many jobs in HR. I was also planning to work and save money to pay for my studies. I am trying to find out whether I am eligible for a loan.
I also applied to join the army but was unsuccessful.