HIRE NEW GRADUATES

Sir,

I have come to notice the amount of disdain that government, non-governmental organisations, parastatals and companies harbour against new graduates. There are vacancies posted daily in newspapers but none of the aforementioned accept job applications from new graduates.

They always state that a certain number of years of experience in that particular field, which is their prerogative, are required but how and where does one acquire experience without being afforded the opportunity to prove their worth by applying their acquired skills in a work environment?

I have applied for jobs to most government departments, NGOs, companies and parastatals without success. I have even offered to volunteer my time, skills and services but haven’t received a letter or phone call declining the offer.

I know that government interference in these entities is unprecedented but it would be beneficial to the whole country for government to make it mandatory for NGOs, parastatals, government departments and companies to hire new graduates for at least a year and also pay them a stipend. In return, these entities receive government assistance either in the way of tax exemption or receiving special benefits.

Development

This graduate development programme would enable graduates to leave the entities with skills and experience that would benefit them when applying for jobs or when they decide to branch into entrepreneurship.
These programmes have benefitted numerous counties in Europe to the extent that the European Union also offers the programme at continental level.

Meanwhile, young people who have ideas that can resuscitate the economy and enhance the social functioning of thousands in Eswatini, are languishing with their skills at home and inadequately qualified people are hired into positions while having minimal experience and no skills.

People who do not possess qualifications in social work are hired as social workers, only because they did psychology as a course at university or simply because social work was mistaken for ‘bagcugcuteli’.

I have many examples of people who are in fields of employment they are not suited for but are experienced in. This is not meant to take away the great work they do but it doesn’t help the people of this country to be served by unqualified people.

I implore government, NGOs, parastatals and companies to look into this matter because there is a brain drain coming Eswatini’s way because European countries are opening their borders to expatriates, especially new graduates who have a new outlook on industries and have fresh ideas.

Gubs’n’Gubs

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