An Open Letter to President Ramaphosa: Empowering South Africa’s Matriculants through Job Incentives

Dear President Ramaphosa,

In South Africa today, there is an overwhelming sense of determination among our youth—a drive to break the cycle of poverty, build successful careers, and contribute positively to our nation’s economy. However, for many young matriculants, a lack of work experience has become an insurmountable barrier that prevents them from achieving these aspirations. This challenge has been a pressing concern, and at JVR Jobs, we are acutely aware of the potential our matriculants hold if only they were given the right opportunities.

We are appealing to you, Mr. President, to consider a targeted incentive program to encourage companies across South Africa to hire matriculants and provide them with basic employment experience. This initiative, we believe, could have a transformative impact on our workforce, economic growth, and, most importantly, the futures of countless young South Africans.

The Catch-22 of Entry-Level Employment

It is widely recognized that experience is a common requirement in job postings—even for entry-level roles. Yet, for a young individual fresh out of high school, where is that experience supposed to come from? This expectation creates a paradox: matriculants cannot gain experience without employment, and they cannot gain employment without experience. As a result, many of our bright young minds face immediate rejection from even the most basic job roles, not because of a lack of willingness or ability, but simply due to the absence of prior work experience.

This issue has become a major contributor to youth unemployment. Many matriculants are eager to enter the workforce and start building meaningful careers. However, they find themselves trapped in a system that does not recognize the potential of on-the-job learning for inexperienced candidates. Instead, they face exclusion from entry-level roles because of a gap they had no chance to fill.

The Power of Incentives for Change

We believe that South African companies can be instrumental in bridging this gap, but they need support. Incentivizing employers to hire and train matriculants could provide the critical support that both our businesses and youth require. An incentive program—whether through tax relief, wage subsidies, or direct grants for companies that hire young South Africans without prior work experience—would encourage businesses to invest in the future of our country by providing matriculants with vital first-time employment.

Such a program would not only address the problem of youth unemployment but would also contribute to skill-building at a national level. Each matriculant who gains basic employment experience will be better equipped to navigate their careers, contribute to the economy, and support their communities. This domino effect can create a more resilient, skilled, and experienced workforce that South Africa needs to compete on a global stage.

The Ripple Effect of Opportunity

Providing an initial job experience to our matriculants could lead to a generational shift in our economy. By giving them the chance to gain real-world skills, companies would help build a foundation for these young people to pursue meaningful careers. As these young people grow, gain skills, and climb the career ladder, they, in turn, will become valuable contributors to the companies that gave them their first chance, as well as to society as a whole.

By investing in our youth, South Africa will reap benefits that extend far beyond immediate employment figures. These young individuals will have the chance to support their families, reinvest in their communities, and become role models for the next generation. An incentive program could bring hope, encourage responsibility, and instill a culture of lifelong learning among South Africa’s youth.

A Call to Action

At JVR Jobs, we work tirelessly to connect young South Africans with employment opportunities, but we see every day the heartbreak and frustration caused by barriers to entry. We are asking, Mr. President, for a commitment to our matriculants—a commitment to create a future where their hard work and ambition are met with real opportunities for growth.

Let us work together to create an incentive program that encourages businesses to invest in our youth. By making this commitment, you would be taking a powerful step toward reducing youth unemployment, enhancing our national skills base, and paving the way for a more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous South Africa.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to the future of our youth.

Sincerely,
The JVR Jobs Team