More than 50 unemployed youth and job seekers from Kagiso and nearby communities gathered at the Kagiso Incubation Hub in Krugersdorp for a work-readiness workshop aimed at helping young people compete for opportunities with practical tools, including professional CVs, interview guidance and digital job-search skills.
The workshop was sponsored by Kagiso Mall, owned by Old Mutual Property, and delivered by Property Point as a practical, skills-first intervention focused on what employers expect and how candidates can present themselves competitively in a changing hiring market.
With youth unemployment (15–34) at 43.8% in Q4 2025, organisers said the priority is not only motivation but also equipping young people with the tools, access and know-how to consistently pursue opportunities.
“Looking for a job is expensive,” said Clement Makotanyane, Executive Head: Economic Inclusion and Sustainability at Property Point. “You need internet, computer facilities and skills that aren’t taught at school. There’s a gap. Our schooling system prepares young people for further learning, not the job market.”
Makotanyane said participants were recruited through Property Point’s community-facing activation at Kagiso Mall, where a staffed kiosk (Wednesday to Friday) shares information about services available at the hub. The call-out was reinforced through the mall’s in-house radio platform.
“The stall becomes a funnel for unemployed youth to bring themselves here,” he said. “Then the hub can help make job searching cheaper by giving access to infrastructure, computers and connectivity, so they can apply for opportunities properly.”
Hosted from 10am to 3pm, the programme moved beyond inspiration into practical work-readiness learning, including understanding workplace expectations and ethics; CV writing and application skills; email professionalism; interview preparation and workplace communication; a presentation on interview dos and don’ts and appropriate interview dress code; and personal branding.
With youth unemployment exceeding 40% in 2025, this platform, created in partnership with Kagiso Mall, aims to support unemployment youth in Kagiso and surrounding communities. The initiative provides easier access skills development opportunities, learning programmes, and guidance with development applications.
The event received an encouraging attendance, demonstrating the strong need for platforms like these, to connect young people with opportunities. However, there is still a need to increase participation, particularly among disadvantaged and unemployed youth who would benefit most from these resources. Strengthening outreach and community engagement will be essential to ensure that more young people are aware of, and able to access these opportunities, said Kgabisang Leotwane, Building Manager, Kagiso Mall
A key theme was the “hidden curriculum” of job seeking – how to use professional platforms, build a credible digital footprint, and avoid common mistakes that prevent candidates from being shortlisted.
“Employers go to social media to look at what type of person they’re hiring,” Makotanyane said. “Young people need to be mindful of what they post and know where jobs are actually found, including platforms like LinkedIn.”
He said the workshop deliberately tackled discouragement and passivity that can set in after matric, especially when young people believe the labour market is closed to them.
“Initiatives like this give people hope,” he said. “But it’s hope partnered with resources, information, knowledge and skills, so young people can go out and look for opportunities.”
Thapelo Msomi from Kagiso, East Park, said the biggest lesson for him was getting clear on what he wants from life and his career. “The personal branding session really hit home. It made me think about who I am, what I stand for, and the value I bring,” he said. “Seeing the examples inspired me to aim higher. I’m leaving here motivated to keep learning, meet new people and invest in my own growth.”
Tarama Msutu from Kagiso Ext 12 said the workshop helped her understand the job application process in practical terms. “Before today, I didn’t really know how to write a proper cover letter. Now I understand the steps and what employers are looking for,” she said. “The interview prep was a game-changer. I feel more confident about how to present myself, from how I dress to how I communicate. I’m ready to use these skills in my next applications.”
Property Point and partners plan to run the Work-Readiness Workshop at least twice a year, and aim to invite participants who secure opportunities after attending to share their experiences at the next session.
“We’re looking for those inspiring stories,” Makotanyane said. “So young people can hear how others were inspired and ultimately went into the job market to look for opportunities.”