There’s a lot that can be – and needs to be – done to guide and support young people in South Africa to achieve their goals of bright futures, even in the face of high unemployment. Some of PROTEC’s alumni, tutors and managers share valuable learnings and experience in commemoration of Youth Month to encourage the country’s youth, their families, schools and other mentors to invest time, energy and resources in building success in young lives.

For many young people, becoming entrepreneurs will be the route their lives take, while for others, it will be full-time or part-time employment. Whatever they choose, these are life lessons from people who’ve walked the same road or worked with youngsters that could make a difference to their future success.

Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC, which has been supporting youth to achieve successful STEM careers in South Africa since 1982, says that an important part of the training PROTEC provides entails lifeskills and guidance in the World of Work. “This vital part of the curriculum gives the youngsters confidence, an ability to communicate effectively, an understanding of their own responsibilities and accountability and a clear idea of their chosen careers. By far the majority of our alumni refer to this support as having had a major impact on their achievements.”

Moodley notes that these are skills, ideas and encouragement that can be widely shared with youth. “With increased informal and formal investment in and encouragement of our youth, we can reduce unemployment and give more young people hope for the future.”

Tracy Nyongwana, a PROTEC alumnus from the Tongaat Branch, who matriculated in 2019 with six distinctions, faced obstacles in her life. Today she is a double graduate with a BSc Chemistry and Applied Chemistry Engineering degrees from Wits University and is employed by Sasol.

Opportunities were rare in the village of Ndwedwe and Tracy always made the most of those she encountered. “Wherever I could, I reached out to organisations and people who were in a position to support or guide me in some way. My bursary covered tuition and accommodation, but left me with little to keep me going. I reached out to The North Coast Courier Orphan Fund, and they supported me with a stipend for on-campus food and other costs, which gave me peace of mind to focus on my studies.”

Tracy’s advice to all young people facing challenges is to “get involved and reach out”. At university she became a member of the student council, she played sport and found other support available to students. “When you start your studies, throw yourself into the experience. There’s so much support available if you look for it. You don’t have to go through it alone.”

Thandeka Zungu, from PROTEC Umbogintwini, matriculated in 2009 and has achieved an array of qualifications. She is a Senior Environmental Health Practitioner with eThekwini Municipality. “My determination to break generational curses have been the driving forces behind my resilience. Coming from humble beginnings, it was my mission to become the first child in my family to graduate. To achieve this, I had to work extremely hard, seek knowledge, and actively pursue opportunities for growth. I have always remained open to learning and view every experience – whether positive or challenging – as valuable. My advice to learners is to choose a career that resonates with who you are. Passion fuels commitment and perseverance, and without it, a career can become a burden.” To stay positive, Thandeka says she draws motivation and inspiration from people she looks up to – mentors and leaders.

Elzabe Matthews, Branch Manager at PROTEC Umbogintwini, reiterates that resilience and motivation are the character traits of learners who succeed. Having seen many young people start their careers with the PROTEC education support programme as their launchpad, her encouragement has been – and will continue to be – to choose careers that they will love to do every day, and not something that has been chosen by someone else. “They must remember that life is not always easy after their school years, but if they work hard, they will manage. They must stay focused and remember that all their hard work is to better their own future.”

JJ Ndadane, PROTEC Mandeni’s English Tutor, is direct in her advice. “Never retreat – failure is not a death sentence, but laziness and procrastination are your enemies.” She reminds youngsters to gain inspiration from others who beat the odds to make it in life and advises them to carry themselves into the future with dignity, courage and resilience.

Ishwar Naidoo, PROTEC Mandeni Branch Manager, adds leadership skills and an appreciation of what they have as strengths that successful young people display. He reminds them that there are many people in their lives who care about their wellbeing and only want what’s best for them. He encourages them to “keep pushing boundaries and believe in yourself”.

Gift Sawaya, Physical Science Tutor at PROTEC Nelspruit, offers clear advice to learners and students. “Learn how to communicate ideas simply and clearly.” And while Gift’s main focus is science, this applies across the board to all young people. “Communication skills are critical because they set you apart. You can explain work to others, write reports and proposals, present ideas confidently and collaborate with others. It opens more doors and you’ll have a clearer path to entrepreneurship, teaching or media. It makes you think more clearly and sharpens your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.” He suggests that young people build their communications skills by practising writing, explaining concepts at school, to friends or on Tik Tok, and to grab every opportunity to speak in public.

Agnes Mhlongo, PROTEC Nelspruit’s Branch Manager, and Nsuku Mathebula, PROTEC Nelspruit’s English Tutor, share their learnings. The advice they give to PROTEC matriculants is to think of their skills in two parts that work together – their technical skills, which are honed in the maths, English and science support they get, and their personal skills. “This is your ability to communicate with people, to present your ideas, to work in a team and to write an email that people can understand. That’s what directs your power. You can be brilliant in technical skills, but if you can’t explain your vision, your brilliant idea might go nowhere. So the advice is to nurture both sides – be a master of your craft but also be a great communicator.” They also encourage youngsters to accept that it’s okay if things don't go perfectly according to plan. “The world needs problem-solvers who have overcome challenges; they must know that they are the future and their contribution is valuable.”

Moodley concurs. “Whatever can be done to build the confidence and skills of our young people, whatever their level of education, must be done by all – parents, family, teachers, community leaders, organisations, corporates, NPOs and others. It’s possible to inspire and encourage where life has become disheartening; it’s crucial to guide and support, finding avenues for small entrepreneurships or building businesses; and it’s necessary to remind our youth to be curious, to be resilient, and to remember that someone is rooting for them.”