Having been unemployed for over three years and, distressingly, for more than nine years without earning a living wage, I find myself trapped in an endless cycle of job applications with no tangible outcomes. For example, since 2018, I have been a registered job seeker in the South African government's Department of Employment and Labour database, hoping that this would provide me a pathway to meaningful employment. Yet, despite my efforts and qualifications, opportunities remain elusive. Continuously, I apply for positions listed in the DPSA Circular posts, on government sites, in municipal, and private sectors, whether manually or online, but to no avail.

I am just one among many facing a similar plight. Thousands of qualified and experienced individuals remain jobless while positions continue to be filled by those already employed, exacerbating unemployment rates and stifling economic growth. This isn't just a personal crisis; it’s a widespread issue that demands immediate action.

To address this, I urge all government and private employers to make it compulsory to recruit and shortlist candidates from the Department of Employment and Labour's Job Seekers Database. This change will ensure that the unemployed, specifically those who are qualified and experienced, are given priority over currently employed individuals.

Reforming the recruitment process as such will not only help reduce unemployment but also ensure that the vast reservoir of talent in the country is utilised to its full potential. It will encourage equitable job distribution and cultivate a more dynamic and competent workforce.

This policy change will create new opportunities, giving hope to millions of unemployed South Africans who are eager, ready, and qualified to contribute to the success of our economy.

Please sign this petition to advocate for this essential recruitment reform and help transform the lives of countless individuals seeking employment.