03 October 2024 – In a commendable effort to bridge the gap between education and employment, WesBank hosted its inaugural Movers and Mentors event today. This initiative is designed to guide young learners from Riverlea Secondary School in Johannesburg South, offering them a window into the myriad of career opportunities available in the financial sector.
Sixty enthusiastic students were welcomed to WesBank’s headquarters in Fairland, Johannesburg, where they engaged directly with senior executives, including WesBank CEO Ghana Msibi. This hands-on experience provided the learners with invaluable insights into the professional world, significantly enhancing their understanding of potential career pathways.
The Unemployment Crisis
Opening the event, Msibi addressed a stark reality facing South Africa: the nation holds the unenviable title of having the highest unemployment rate globally. Citing data from Statistics South Africa, he revealed that the country’s unemployment rate rose by 0.6% in the second quarter of 2024, reaching a staggering 33.5%. More concerning is the expanded definition of unemployment, which includes those aged 15 to 64 willing and able to work but not actively seeking jobs—this figure soars to 42.6%.
“The situation is dire,” Msibi stated. “It demands a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors to devise sustainable solutions.” This urgent need for action was the catalyst for the Movers and Mentors program, aimed at motivating learners—regardless of gender—to dedicate themselves to their studies, thereby improving their employability.
The Importance of Career Guidance
Principal Ashley Harris from Riverlea Secondary School expressed gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing the critical role of career guidance in student success. “A lack of career advice often leads to higher dropout rates and failures due to disinterest,” she noted. “Early exposure to career guidance is vital for ensuring that students select subjects and career paths aligned with their passions rather than simply following trends.”
During the event, the Grade 11 learners participated in an interactive showcase highlighting the diverse career opportunities within WesBank. They discovered potential paths in finance, business management, sales, marketing, information technology, and customer service. This exposure is intended to ignite interest in sectors that are crucial for the country’s economic growth.
A Model for the Future
“This is just the first iteration of a program we aim to extend to other schools nationwide,” Msibi announced. “We aspire to inspire other corporates to adopt similar initiatives, each adding their unique interpretation of how to showcase the world of work to young South Africans.”
The Movers and Mentors program signifies a meaningful step towards equipping the next generation with the knowledge and inspiration needed to navigate their futures successfully. By providing direct engagement with industry leaders, WesBank not only fosters educational aspirations but also contributes to a more skilled workforce, addressing the pressing unemployment crisis in South Africa.
As the corporate sector joins hands with educational institutions to empower youth, initiatives like this offer a beacon of hope for a brighter, more prosperous future.
