Young graduate who stood at traffic lights in search of work lands her 'dream' IT job

• Published date: 27 April 2024
• Author: Rorisang Kgosana
• Publication title: TimesLIVE (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Phathutshedzo Ngwana, 27, had a passion at school for biology and science. After matriculating and getting a thumbsup from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, she headed to the University of Limpopo to study microbiology and biochemistry in 2016

The young woman from Limpopo told TimesLIVE how excited and eager she was during her studies and looking forward to working so she could put into practice the knowledge she had acquired. However, she was unexpectedly hit by the reality of unemployment after graduating in 2019.

"Reality hit and I was not expecting that. We always hear that unemployment is hard and you won't understand until you are out there. It was disheartening and disappointing to realise that reality," she said.

She remained determined to empower herself and completed short learnership programmes in fields such as retail, finance and IT. She fell in love with IT and opted to explore the industry.

After numerous job applications with no callbacks for an interview, a friend suggested she stand at an intersection with a sign asking motorists for employment.

Ngwana spent months contemplating the idea but feared the dangers of being on the streets every day, such as being kidnapped or hit by a vehicle.

"I had been applying for work online and not getting a response. I realised this is not helping and I need to do something that keeps me going. That is when I went to the streets. It was scary. This is what we are forced to do as unemployed youth," she said.

In June 2022, Ngwana stood at the corners of Witkoppen and Rivonia roads in Johannesburg in the winter cold from 6am to 4pm while fighting with homeless beggars who tried to chase her away from the intersection.

"The hobos were also fighting with me. I had to make sure I was not in a certain place at the intersection, but others were understanding and didn't mind. I had to fight with them —...