“My Name is Thulani Skosana …”

“I’ve studied, certified, qualified—and I’m still unemployed.”

Not quite the comment you expect on an article about ESG! South Africa, what the heck is

wrong with us?!

This isn’t just one comment, it’s a warning signal. South Africa has thousands like Thulani,

certified blasting certificate holders (miners) with LLBs and physics degrees—still unable to

find work.

Why?

  • Skills mismatch: Universities and training bodies don’t align with hiring needs
  • Experience paradox: Companies demand what they won’t help build
  • Gatekeeping: Networks over merit
  • No economic growth: Growth without job creation is not sustainable.

What is the result? We hemorrhage talent and squander potential.

This excerpt from a 2023 Mckinsey report, states that there is a shortage of talent:

“71 percent of mining leaders are finding the talent shortage is holding them back from

delivering on production targets and strategic objectives. Indeed, 86 percent of mining

executives tell us it is harder to recruit and retain the talent they need versus two years

ago…”

If that is the case, then it would appear that the disconnect is far deeper than just between our

candidates and our recruitment processes. This is not simply a case of ‘two passing ships in

the night that continue to miss each other”. This is a systemic failure that is deserving of one

of our famous Presidential Public Private Partnerships. Surely this is as important, and even

as urgent, as transport or energy?

For years now many commentators have used South Africa’s shocking youth unemployment

numbers to predict imminent social collapse. Collapse doesn’t happen in a moment. It builds

quietly, structurally, and with full participation from those who looked away.

Of course I don’t foresee collapse. What I do predict is change—loud, overdue, and already

knocking. A time to close ranks, roll up sleeves, and step in—unashamed, transparent, and

with zero tolerance for bullsh*t. No more polishing reports while the foundations crack. Let’s

get real, let us get involved in hiring talented young people, give bursaries and create real

jobs.

To all the Thulanis: I see you. You are not invisible. You’re not a statistic. You’re the reason

I’m writing this emergency dispatch, you are our catalysts for change!

To the rest of us—investors, leaders, policymakers—start reading the comments, because if

you’re not listening there, you’re not listening to the country.

This “Fault Zone” isn’t a glitch. It’s the tremor before the collapse—or reform.

Start by listening. Then act.

— Z.B.S