Esihle Matshaya, 29, has been unemployed for the past three years — but that has not stopped her from finding a way to help others in the same situation.
Through her social media channels, East London’s Matshaya, who holds multiple qualifications, has created a haven for job seekers, a place where they can find hope, encouragement, and opportunities.
She is also in the process of registering her own business as a marketing executive.
“I have never had a permanent job in my life and was adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic which saw me lose my then first position as a communications officer in Cape Town,” Matshaya said.
“I was forced to move back home and start over.
“I experienced the debilitating feelings that come with lacking financial agency as a result of unemployment.
“But I was fortunate enough to be able to use my research abilities to teach myself the basics of recruitment and innovative ways to source employment.”
She then realised many people did not have access to this information, and began sharing it on social media.
Matshaya shares vacancies on her Facebook page and has also created a WhatsApp group for those who are desperately seeking jobs.
“Apart from being motivated by having experienced unemployment personally, I am also aware — because of my exposure to digital platforms and content creation tools — how exclusionary the fourth industrial revolution approach is, which is used by many companies to source employees.
“Data is immensely expensive, yet many companies have transitioned to online applications, forgetting that some people will not be able to apply due to financial impediments.
“And those who have data may be unable to navigate complex company websites that require online submissions.
“Some companies expect candidates to compose videoed responses and to upload these videos on specific sites, then to share links with them, and this process requires phones or laptops with exceptional quality cameras. Plus it is data-intensive.
“Essentially, in our move to promote accessibility through technical advancements, a new challenge is arising between the haves and the have-nots.”
Matshaya has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, media studies and sociology from Rhodes University and a postgraduate diploma in land and agrarian studies from the University of Western Cape.
She is now in her final year of an honours degree in development studies at Unisa.
“Unemployment initially challenged my personal sense of self and made me feel devoid of meaning.
“It affected how I navigated relationships — not just romantic relationships — and made me suffer from deep impostor syndrome when around people more accomplished than me.”
During that phase, her mother, Ntombethemba Matshaya, as well as family, friends and her church, held her together, she said.
“I am in the process of registering my own business and hope that someday I will be an employer.
“I am still actively looking for employment as I desire the safety net of a stable salary.”
To people seeking employment, she advised they not be hard on themselves.
“The job market is tough to crack. Be kind to yourself.
“Use innovative ways to source employment.
“Don’t, under any circumstances, use the same CV to apply for different positions: tailor your CV according to the job you are applying for.
“Don’t post controversial content on social media.
“Remember, education is not overrated but you need to do thorough research before pursuing a specific course on available job prospects.”
As part of her other hustle, she helps people with their CVs.
“I revamp CVs to make them ATS compliant — so they can easily be scanned and interpreted by an applicant tracking system.
“I also write motivational letters, hold interviews and coaching classes, update applicant job sites and help prospective employees to find employers.
“I also edit academic work and facilitate workshops.”
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