About 100 postgraduates from institutions all over Durban took to the streets in a protest against the issues of unemployment that they have been facing since graduating.
Nkululeko Ndlovu, a Mangosuthu University of Technology graduate and leader of the protest said the government is not taking their issues seriously. “The government and private sector are not taking us seriously, we are suffering, we need jobs,” he said.
As they headed to the City Hall in hopes to deliver a memorandum to the city Mayor Zandile Gumede, the postgraduates sang songs relating to their struggle with attaining jobs.
Issues outlined in the memorandum include the issue with internships. Ndlovu said the internships offered to graduates are only for a year but permanent job positions require three years experience and more. “Where should we get the three years from?,” asked Ndlovu.
Another issue is the process of applying for jobs where graduates need to certify documents every three months and make copies of qualifications which the graduates said is an expensive process for people with no income.
“They told us education is key but we are qualified yet still struggling,” said Ndlovu.
He also called for a national shut down on the unemployment issue in the country. “I call graduates of all races, Indian, white, coloured and lectures, vice chancellors and especially our parents to join us in the fight against unemployment,” said Ndlovu.
– Daily News
