The University of Pretoria’s study into PhD graduate employability in corporations received wide media attention last month. Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka found PhDs face “deliberate discrimination” from employers because of their education, and only “0.07% are employed in companies that drive the economy”. Their job prospects are grim, and many struggle to find work or are unemployed.
Employers perceive PhDs to be overqualified, earn too much and do not remain long in jobs that are “beneath” them. In a personal communication, Goneos-Malka confirmed the problem extends to other postgraduates too, which has been my experience.
She states in the knowledge-based global economy PhDs contribute to new knowledge that drives progress, development and wealth creation, and South Africa cannot progress and compete without employing suitable skills and talent. This is proven by international rankings that show our industry and labour force – the economy in general – are uncompetitive, unproductive and lacks innovation and technological advancement.
Ironically and amazingly, in this milieu there are affirmative action and cadre appointees who are unqualified, overpaid and job hop to greener pastures. The numerous CV and degree fraudsters at State departments and enterprises, Prasa and Saps being the latest, is evidence of this truth.
However, paradoxically, employers clamour to employ these unqualified and frequently incompetent people, irrespective of the financial and productive cost – Prasa’s R600 million locomotives is a case in point – while simultaneously rejecting skilled applicants and dishonestly claiming there is a skills shortage.
Our vocal politicians, who never hesitate to offer ill-informed opinions on anything, including skills and development, have been silent in the wake of Goneos-Malka’s study. The same applies to the scrappy business organisations and unions.
But I’m not surprised. The benchmark in South Africa is so low, apparently mediocrity. So it’s to be expected the people who are best placed to help the country meets its development goals – post-graduates – have been consigned to the nether regions of irrelevancy. The sighted are not wanted in the land of the blind.
Thomas Johnson
Lansdowne