In response to this, the TSiBA Career Centre, a division of the Tertiary School in Business Administration (TSiBA) has developed a unique programme called ‘Umbono’ – which means ‘a clear vision’ in isiXhosa. The programme aims to address this vital gap by providing young graduates, both unemployed and employed, with the cognitive and emotional tools to become empowered, confident and resilient. This will help them to get a foot in the door and kick-start their careers. It also gives them an edge when they do get an opportunity to get onto the corporate ladder.

The role of the TSiBA Career Centre began when TSiBA was founded in 2004. Back then its core purpose was threefold – to hold the Career Management component of TSiBA’s business programmes, to offer student support and tools in respect of honing career management skills, and to support the placement of TSiBA students in internship and placement programmes.

One of the TSiBA Career Centre Umbono candidates Luzuko Mbilini says, “I gained soft skills which I did not realise are so important to market myself to potential employers. I now know how to use them in order to be marketable.”

TSiBA’s sustainability manager, Graham Moore, explains: “TSiBA has been regularly placing students and graduates into employment for many years. We have now expanded this offering into a professional recruitment entity. The TSiBA Career Centre provides services in permanent and temporary recruitment as well as skills development interventions for early career placement – such as Umbono.  Our team is dedicated to fulfil clients’ immediate and longer-term human resources needs in a professional, competent and ethical manner.”

Moore continues, “The Career Centre functions as a Social Enterprise supporting the vision and mission of TSiBA Education. Proceeds from every placement and skills programmes facilitated go towards TSiBA scholarships and thereby igniting opportunity for our student population of whom most are first generation tertiary education entrants.”

TSiBA is a private, not-for-profit business school founded in 2004, registered and fully accredited with the Department of Higher Education & Training as a private higher education institution as well as with the Services Seta. TSiBA Career Centre is registered with Department of Labour as an Employment Service for Gain.

For more information on TSiBA, visit www.tsiba.org.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook and on Twitter.