In South Africa’s high unemployment environment, higher education institutions have a duty to support graduates as they transition from studies to the world of work. With youth unemployment in particular remaining stubbornly elevated, there is a growing need for universities to actively bridge the gap between academic qualifications and labour market needs, to help improve employment outcomes for the country’s young professionals, an education expert says. “Even though statistics suggest that degree completion rates are improving, many young graduates continue to face significant challenges in securing suitable employment in the years immediately following graduation,” says Dr Renee Minnaar, Dean of Faculty: Hospitality and Tourism at Rosebank International South Africa. “Too many graduates continue to experience underemployment or end up in roles that do not align with their field of study, highlighting persistent skills mismatches in the local labour market,” she says. THE EMPLOYABILITY CHALLENGE IN SOUTH AFRICA The country’s difficult economic conditions, combined with rapid technological changes and evolving employer expectations, have widened the gap between what graduates learn and what the job market demands, says Dr Minnaar. “Many young professionals, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, struggle with limited practical experience, workplace readiness, and professional networks. This situation not only affects individual career prospects but also reduces the return on investment in higher education for students, families, and the public sector,” she says. HOW HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS CAN BRIDGE THE GAP There is an urgent need for SA institutions to expand support systems to better prepare graduates for the realities of the local and global job market. Recognising the unique economic pressures and structural challenges facing the country, institutions must move beyond traditional academic delivery alone, to offer more integrated, …
Beyond Giving: For Effective Community Engagement, Sustainable Partnerships Are Key
In many of South African schools, charity drives have long been the hallmark of community engagement, characterised by collecting canned food, gathering clothing, or distributing essential items to those in need. These acts of kindness remain deeply valuable, but a growing number of schools are broadening their approach, recognising that meaningful and sustainable engagement must go beyond ad hoc “giving”. “True transformation is about building relationships, nurturing partnerships, and weaving service into everyday learning. We should be embracing a more holistic model of involvement: one that nurtures empathy, responsibility, and sustainable action among students of all ages,” says Krystal Munian, Advtech Schools Specialist: College Phase, RDI, and WESSA. This transformative approach is being developed across the Advtech network of schools in South Africa, Botswana and Kenya, ensuring that community engagement is becoming a powerful learning experience that develops empathy, responsibility and active citizenship while creating meaningful partnerships with the communities the schools serve, she says. A Shift Towards Long-Term, Relationship-Based Engagement “Community engagement is most impactful when relationships are built over time. Instead of relying solely on once-off donation drives, many schools have established ongoing partnerships with community organisations, neighbouring schools, shelters and retirement villages, creating opportunities for students to learn alongside the communities they support,” says Munian. These partnerships take many forms. For instance, students have visited community centres where they help prepare meals for local families before spending time playing games and interacting with children. Others have supported children living in care by assisting with homework, singing songs and building friendships during regular visits. “Schools have also strengthened intergenerational relationships by partnering with retirement …
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Reclaim Your Edge: Mastering New Skills at Any Career Stage
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, many seasoned professionals in their 40s, 50s, and beyond find themselves facing an uncomfortable truth: the skills that once made them indispensable now feel outdated. Automation, AI, digital transformation, and shifting industry demands have rewritten the rules. For mature workers who built successful careers over decades, the idea of “starting over” can trigger deep embarrassment, even despair. Yet reskilling is not a sign of failure - it is a strategic, courageous step toward renewed relevance and fulfilment. “The shame is real and often unspoken. Society tends to celebrate youthful disruptors while quietly implying that experience should be enough. Mature professionals may worry about looking incompetent in training rooms filled with younger colleagues, or fear judgment from peers who remember them as the go-to expert. This emotional barrier keeps many stuck, watching opportunities pass them by. But clinging to outdated competencies is far riskier than the temporary discomfort of learning something new,” says Professor Linda Meyer, Managing Director at Waterfall School of Business, SA’s leading provider of globally relevant, accredited vocational education. The truth is, the most successful professionals across generations treat their careers as ongoing investments. Industries change. Technology accelerates. What remains constant is the value of adaptable human judgment, emotional intelligence, and domain expertise - qualities that mature workers already possess in abundance. Reskilling does not erase your past achievements; it builds on them, says Professor Meyer. She says reskilling starts with a mindset shift. “View reskilling as upgrading, not replacing. Your decades of experience provide context and wisdom that new graduates simply do not have. When you learn new skills, you are becoming a force multiplier who can translate your new insights through the lens of real-world business understanding.” Practical …
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Level up or Log Off: Why Lifelong Learning Is the New Professional Norm
In the year 2026, the traditional model of “learn once, work forever” is well and truly obsolete. Lifelong learning - the continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one’s career – is now an essential norm for success. Driven by rapid technological advancement, globalisation and economic disruption, professionals who embrace ongoing education thrive, while those who stagnate risk obsolescence. “The pace of change is the primary catalyst. Artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation are reshaping entire industries,” says Steven Louw, General Manager at Waterfall School of Business, SA’s leading provider of globally relevant, accredited vocational education. According to recent analyses, up to 40% of core skills many jobs are expected to change within five years. In this environment, a single degree or certification no longer provides lifelong security. Employers now prioritise adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to quickly acquire new competencies over static credentials. “Lifelong learning delivers tangible professional advantages,” says Louw. “It enhances career mobility, increases earning potential, and builds resilience against market shifts. Employees who regularly upskill are more likely to secure promotions, transition into emerging fields, and command higher salaries. Beyond economics, continuous learning also fosters personal fulfilment and a stronger sense of purpose.” Louw says organisations have also taken note of this shift. “Forward-thinking companies now invest heavily in learning cultures through internal academies, tuition reimbursement, mentorship programmes, and partnerships with educational institutions dedicated to professional development. Some even allocate learning hours during the workweek. This approach not only boosts retention and innovation, but also attracts top talent who seek growth-oriented environments. “As automation increasingly handles routine tasks, uniquely human traits such …
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Portfolio Careers: The Key to Thriving in a Brutal Economy
As technology accelerates, markets shift, and workplace expectations evolve, with uncertainty always front of mind, South African professionals are increasingly opting to pursue portfolio careers - combining several professional activities instead of depending on a single full-time employer. “Traditional linear career paths, which today are arguably the equivalent of putting all your professional eggs in one basket, are no longer the only route to success. For many people, diversification offers not just financial protection, but also room for creativity, ongoing learning, and a better balance between work and personal life,” says Steven Louw, General Manager at Waterfall School of Business, SA’s leading provider of globally relevant, accredited vocational education. Rather than relying on a single full-time employer, growing numbers of skilled individuals are deliberately building diversified professional portfolios, combining multiple income streams, roles, and activities that leverage their expertise while opening new opportunities, he says. A portfolio career typically blends several professional activities, such as: Core consulting or fractional executive roles Teaching, lecturing, or corporate training Freelance project work or specialised service delivery Running a small business or side venture Content creation, coaching, or thought leadership The rise of remote work, digital platforms, gig economy tools, and automation has made this model far more viable and accessible than ever before, giving professionals greater control over their career trajectory. KEY BENEFITS Financial resilience: Multiple income streams reduce vulnerability to retrenchment, industry disruption, or economic downturns, while often increasing overall earning potential over time. Greater flexibility and work-life integration: Professionals can structure their schedules around family responsibilities, health needs, or personal passions rather than …
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More Than a Campus Tour: How to Make University Open Days Count
During the next few months, Grade 11 students across South Africa who want to pursue further study after Matric, are entering a critical decision-making window as they investigate their options at university open days. It is important to understand that open days are not just exploratory - they take place at the same time students are expected to begin making firm application choices, often with limited information and under time pressure, an education expert says. At the same time, South Africa’s higher education system remains highly competitive. Public universities receive far more applications than available spaces each year, particularly in high-demand programmes. This reality makes it essential for students to understand not only entry requirements, but also selection processes, extended programme options, and alternative pathways, says Dingaan Moropane, Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning at IIE Rosebank College. While open days provide access to institutions, faculties, and staff, simply attending is not enough. What matters is how students engage with the experience and what information they extract from it, he says. “Open days can be noisy, crowded, and highly structured around marketing messages. Institutions naturally present their strengths, flagship programmes, and top-performing graduates. As a result, students are often exposed to a curated version of the institution, rather than a complete picture of what it takes to succeed there. “To make informed decisions, students need to go beyond presentations, interrogate what they are seeing, and actively seek out the less visible but more meaningful insights.” WHAT MOST STUDENTS MISS Many attendees focus mostly on big-name degrees or popular faculties, often leaving with surface-level impressions. However, the most useful insights are rarely found in formal presentations, they come from asking the right questions and observing what isn’t being said. Strategies for leveraging open days …
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How to Reclaim Your Year and Start Building Your Future Today – Education Expert
For many young people who completed their matric in 2025 and now find themselves at home without a clear direction, or whose planned gap year has lost its appeal, the coming months offer a powerful opportunity for a fresh start. “Delaying all forms of learning after matric can sometimes lead to prolonged periods of stagnation, reduced motivation, and missed opportunities in a competitive job market. By contrast, starting a focused short programme allows students to make the most of the remaining months, building valuable skills and momentum that will carry forward into the next year and beyond,” says Steven Louw, General Manager at Waterfall School of Business, SA’s leading provider of globally relevant and accredited vocational education. Louw says there is a practical and accessible way to move from uncertainty to purposeful action - by enrolling in short learning programmes, skills certifications, or vocational qualifications. He says the key benefits of starting studies now rather than waiting until next year, and building skills strategically, include: Accelerated personal and professional growth Short learning programmes and skills certifications enable you to gain practical, job-ready knowledge and competencies much sooner, boosting your CV and giving you a competitive edge when entering the workforce. Maintaining (or regaining) rhythm and structure After months of unstructured time following matric, joining a short programme provides routine, clear goals, and valuable social connections that help combat feelings of aimlessness. Better alignment with career timelines Many industries highly value demonstrable skills and certifications. Completing a vocational qualification or skills programme can open doors to internships, entry-level positions, or further studies at the right time. Building resilience and confidence Taking proactive steps in the face of uncertainty fosters a strong sense of agency and accomplishment, which …