Debt, unemployment a challenge for graduates
From: LINDANI JD ZUNGU Concerned student of Durban University of Technology
ALLOW me to pass my felicitations and compliment all students who worked very hard or against all odds to reach their graduation finishing line and get their first weapons to face the outside world.
It is a great moment to see family and friends from all spheres of life and corners of South Africa gather to celebrate and witness their loved ones when they are being honoured for their achievements.
While they are reaping their fruits of hard work, it is worth noting the challenges facing our unemployed graduates.
They are all happy during the graduation ceremonies, but some graduate with their qualifications in their hands, while others graduate with letters of debt in their hands.
After spending so much time in an institution they aren’t able to take advantage of those years. All those who graduated with letters won’t be prioritised by the outside world more those than who have qualifications.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has announced that the ministry intends to spend R3 billion to try to keep young women away from sugar daddies. His commitment and call must be supported by all of us, including politicians, the private sector and civil society. Let’s show a united front to fight against the blessers and the manipulation of poor young women by investing in educating young people so that they are able to provide for themselves.
Our government should support all the graduates so they all get equal opportunities.
This situation of graduating with a debt letter indirectly undermines one’s reputation after so many years studying.