Thousands of young South Africans are sitting at home with qualifications but no jobs as 2026 kicks off. The brutal reality is sinking in: diplomas alone won't beat unemployment anymore, and even though graduate unemployment dropped to 10.4% in the third quarter of 2025, many young people remain stuck, frustrated, and losing hope.
Former Skeem Saam star Cornet Mamabolo, 35, best known as Tbose, said the pain cuts even deeper in rural areas. The director of Shandalea College said Limpopo's improved unemployment figures mask the real suffering happening on the ground. Sure, the numbers look better, but the poorest folks are still struggling hard. Many young people can work with their hands, but without papers, doors stay shut.
To tackle the problem head-on, Shandalea College in Makgeng, Ga-Molepo, under Polokwane Municipality, launched a Free Trade Test Opportunity for bricklayers and plumbers. The program starting this month aims to test, certify, and prepare skilled but uncertified artisans for proper jobs.
Cornet said the initiative was born from seeing talented people getting ignored. They met many plumbers and bricklayers who've worked for years, some even training others, but they're not recognized because they can't afford trade test fees. That's painful.
While many still remember him as the soft-spoken Tbose on Skeem Saam, Cornet said he hasn't turned his back on acting. He didn't quit, just stopped chasing roles for fame. He's waiting for the right scripts, but his focus is on changing lives right at this moment.
His move into education and skills development was personal. He comes from communities where talent means nothing without opportunity, and giving someone a trade doesn't just help one person but feeds families.
Successful candidates will walk away with nationally recognized trade certificates, better chances of employment, and renewed confidence. It's not just a piece of paper but dignity and a future. He believes more celebs should step in and make a difference. When you have a platform, you must use it, and he told the youth who feel forgotten not to give up because skills will always open doors.
Former Skeem Saam star Cornet Mamabolo, 35, best known as Tbose, said the pain cuts even deeper in rural areas. The director of Shandalea College said Limpopo's improved unemployment figures mask the real suffering happening on the ground. Sure, the numbers look better, but the poorest folks are still struggling hard. Many young people can work with their hands, but without papers, doors stay shut.
To tackle the problem head-on, Shandalea College in Makgeng, Ga-Molepo, under Polokwane Municipality, launched a Free Trade Test Opportunity for bricklayers and plumbers. The program starting this month aims to test, certify, and prepare skilled but uncertified artisans for proper jobs.
Cornet said the initiative was born from seeing talented people getting ignored. They met many plumbers and bricklayers who've worked for years, some even training others, but they're not recognized because they can't afford trade test fees. That's painful.
While many still remember him as the soft-spoken Tbose on Skeem Saam, Cornet said he hasn't turned his back on acting. He didn't quit, just stopped chasing roles for fame. He's waiting for the right scripts, but his focus is on changing lives right at this moment.
His move into education and skills development was personal. He comes from communities where talent means nothing without opportunity, and giving someone a trade doesn't just help one person but feeds families.
Successful candidates will walk away with nationally recognized trade certificates, better chances of employment, and renewed confidence. It's not just a piece of paper but dignity and a future. He believes more celebs should step in and make a difference. When you have a platform, you must use it, and he told the youth who feel forgotten not to give up because skills will always open doors.
