Mahlatse Sakuneka
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
29
Project Name/Description:
Founder – Hire Youth South Africa
Mahlatse Sakuneka is the founder and CEO of Hire Youth South Africa (HYSA), which is dedicated to bridging the gap between employers and job-seeking youth. According to Sakuneka, what gave her the idea of founding and running a recruitment agency that is specifically targeted at helping youth secure jobs is the fact that she has witnessed the dire challenges that young people go through in applying for jobs. “I too, at some point in my life, was that young person sending out countless CVs to different companies with the hope of securing an interview at least, but was unsuccessful many times,” she shares. She adds that she then decided to take it upon herself to do some research and learn about recruitment processes and what exactly hiring managers are looking for. “This has helped me build a winning recruitment system and a business that aligns with my entrepreneurial passions.” HYSA is a 100% female-founded, level 1 B-BBEE contributor, and youth-owned enterprise that has created permanent employment opportunities for young unemployed people who have been struggling to find jobs. As South Africa commemorates 30 years of democracy, Sakuneka’s work demonstrates the potential of young entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change and realise economic growth. “I believe that South Africa has some of the most talented young people who have great innovative business ideas that are helping to drive economic growth and empowerment. Some of these youth-led businesses have created employment opportunities for thousands of previously unemployed youth. Entrepreneurship helps youth become active economic participants,” she says.
