Mzansi Saddened as Woman Reveals She's Been Unemployed for 14 Years With a Degree
- A woman went viral after revealing she has been unemployed for 14 years despite holding a university degree
- Her story highlights South Africa’s high unemployment rate, which continues to affect graduates and youth the most
- The video sparked discussions about the need for economic growth, internships and better opportunities for qualified individuals
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South Africans were heartbroken as a viral video of a woman with a 14-year-old degree and no job shed light on the country’s ongoing unemployment crisis.
Source: Getty Images
A viral TikTok video has left South Africans heartbroken after a woman revealed that she has been unemployed for 14 years despite holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Psychology. The clip, shared by @helpertheweddingplanner, shows her holding her certificate obtained on 11 May 2011. The video, posted on 11 July 2025, serves as a painful reminder of the challenges faced by graduates in South Africa.
The woman explained that she has never managed to secure work experience in her field. Her situation mirrors that of thousands of qualified individuals who struggle to find opportunities in an economy with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world.
South Africa’s unemployment rate remains a persistent concern, with youth and new graduates facing the steepest battles. Data from Statistics South Africa has shown that the unemployment rate among the country’s youth consistently hovers at crisis levels, with millions of young people either jobless or discouraged from seeking work.
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South Africans share struggles with unemployment
For many graduates, holding a degree is no longer a guaranteed pathway to employment. Industries remain saturated, with limited entry-level positions and a lack of practical experience often creating a vicious cycle: companies require experience to hire, but without employment, gaining that experience is impossible.
Her viral video struck a chord with South Africans, with many sympathising and sharing their own stories of waiting years for an opportunity. The post also sparked discussions about the importance of internships, mentorship and the urgent need for economic growth to absorb skilled young professionals.
This moment highlights the human side of the statistics. Behind every unemployment figure is a story of ambition, sacrifice and delayed dreams. While some turn to entrepreneurship or pivot to unrelated fields to survive, many continue to hold on to hope that one day the job market will open its doors.
Source: Getty Images
Here’s what netizens had to say
Syabonga Nqayi wrote:
“I stayed for 7 years without employment. Until I decided to go and volunteer at the local NGO within their HR department. That’s how I obtained the experience and got the job.”
Tumzamolale said:
“I have been applying for 15 years. I got appointed this year to a senior post. Don’t lose hope, keep on applying. Things will land one day.”
Ntokozo shared:
“Haibo, HR has so many posts. Even I, with my LLB, ran to HR, and there’s so much opportunity for growth.”
Khutso Nicolatte Mapfumari added:
“Graduated 2014, still unemployed. Did my internship ka 2016. It is tough, but I won’t give up. I’m turning 36 this year. I hope I get a job soon.”
Hennie shared:
“The university has lost its oomph after the Fees Must Fall. University degrees are no longer worth the paper they’re written on.”
Jessica M wrote:
“Some things are more spiritual than physical. Guys, life is very spiritual.”
IchGang wrote:
“Guys, let’s be honest, studying a particular course out of passion ended years ago. Right now, we must learn to look at what the market needs and go for that.”
St.no name commented:
“When Gift Bozekana talks about this, people get offended. Meanwhile, Gift is trying to make the younger generation aware of these costly mistakes in life.”
Check out the TikTok video below:
Source: Getty Images
3 Briefly News stories about unemployment
- Talented actor Mathews Rantsoma called out the entertainment industry after not being able to secure a job in a year.
- Former Generations actress Deli Malinga discussed life after Mzansi Magic's cancelled telenovela, Umkhokha: The Curse.
- South Africa’s unemployment rate remains a talking point as the country celebrated Workers’ Day.
Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
