In July, our media conversations continued to focus on building more inclusive pathways into work for young people. These features highlighted the importance of recognising young people’s potential beyond traditional CVs, using technology to make opportunities more visible and accessible, and strengthening partnerships that help young people move into learning, earning and work pathways. 

In case you missed it, click on the links below for July media features that show how Harambee is helping shape conversations on inclusive hiring, youth economic inclusion, digital access and stronger pathways into work. 

Sharmi Surianarain, Chief Impact Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, joined SA FM’s The Alternative Breakfast for a deeply personal conversation on social impact, care and what it takes for ordinary people to become agents of change. The discussion explored why caring about the challenges around us does not always translate into action, and how individuals can move from concern to meaningful contribution in their communities and society. 

Mail & Guardian covered a GCIS webinar that brought together government departments and public agencies to connect young South Africans to jobs, funding, business support, skills development and digital job platforms. The article highlighted the importance of making existing opportunities easier for young people to find and act on, with Jonathan Najoe, Events and Activations Manager at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, introducing the SA Youth platform as one of the ways young people can access jobs, learning opportunities and support services. 

SAICA convened a Youth Month reflection with Harambee leaders to discuss how inclusive hiring can expand pathways into work. Led by Jonathan Najoe, Events and Activations Manager at Harambee, the conversation featured Sudika Sekonyela, Chief of Staff; Kuselwa Matsiliza, Head of Finance and Risk Management; and Dikeledi Patience Lebea, a young participant in Harambee’s Work-Integrated Learning programme. The discussion unpacked barriers such as limited networks, uneven access to information and the difficulty of securing a first meaningful opportunity, while highlighting the role of mentorship, workplace support and skills development in helping young people transition into work. 

Kuben Nair, Chief Technology Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, was featured by CIO South Africa in a profile exploring his journey back into technology through social entrepreneurship. The article highlights how his work at Harambee uses digital tools and platforms to help young South Africans realise and communicate their potential, while making opportunities more visible, accessible and responsive to the realities young people face. 

Kasthuri Soni, CEO of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, spoke to The Good Business Journal about the systems needed to solve youth unemployment in South Africa. The feature highlights that the country does not lack young talent but needs stronger systems that can make that talent visible, supported and connected to earning pathways. It also explores the role of SA Youth, public-private partnerships, data, technology and trusted networks in reducing the cost of work-seeking and building practical pathways into employment, learning and self-employment. 

Soraiya Verjee, Product Manager: Youth Technology at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, wrote for ITWeb about why employers should look beyond the traditional CV when hiring young entry-level talent. The article explains how CV-led recruitment can exclude capable young people who may not yet have formal experience, but who have developed valuable skills through informal work, volunteering, caregiving, community activity, self-employment or short-term earning opportunities. It also highlights how SA Youth gives employers access to a wider pipeline of young talent while helping reduce hiring friction and support stronger entry-level recruitment.