Entrepreneur and record producer, Ntombezinhle Jiyane, famously known as DJ Zinhle has sought to apologize after the comments she made during an interview discussing youth unemployment in South Africa.
In a snippet of a video that went viral, Zinhle can be heard saying a substantial percentage of youth who are unemployed are also unemployable.
“It bothers me how long it takes to fill positions at Era. Just to find the right person for our stores literally takes longer than it should in a country that has so much unemployment.
“I haven’t had a PA for such a long time because every time I find one, it doesn’t work out,’’ said Zinhle.
With the country grappling youth unemployment, Zinhle’s comments hit a nerve on the socials.
@TheRealGobetse commented “Abo DJ Zinhle are the type of blacks that closes doors after entering.
The type that burns bridges after crossing.
‘The first black’ and ‘The only black.’
Title chasers, clever blacks of note’’.
@PVAPaint added ‘’Mara she spoke facts guys. Why nikwata?
According to data by Stats SA, youth unemployment between 15–34-year-olds stands at 45.5%.
The Umlilo hitmaker released an over 9 minutes long video, where she apologized to those she might have offended with her remarks.
Zinhle further called on the government to do more to subsidise small business for them to be able to train and skill more graduates for the job sector.
“In this country I feel like a lot of young people don’t have opportunities that make them ready for the workplace.
“The reality of things is that businesses invest in people, in terms of the people they hire because they need them to come into the organization and build something.
“That’s why employers are specific about the kind of people that they need,’’ explained Zinhle.
Ahead of the May 29 elections, promises and plans to address the youth unemployment challenge have been outlined by political parties and independents who are set to contest the polls.
