Young people need to pursue research projects that have the potential to be industrialised says PhD candidate Nomasonto Rapulenyane. She says one of the solutions she would implement to help contribute towards job creation for the youth is to recruit graduates, incubate them for a period of 18 months, ensure that they are rotated within three sectors (Research and development, social development or business orientated sectors) and assign mentors to help evaluate those who are most suited to advance further.

Name: Nomasonto Rapulenyane

Job title: PhD Candidate

South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates among the youth. If you were tasked with helping to find solutions to address this issue, what would they be?

I personally think there is high rate of unemployment because there are not enough jobs and a lot of graduates in our country. Having a high number of graduates should not be a problem for our country as this is good. However, we have been taught from an early stage that education is the primary means for us to get a job and live a comfortable life hence we see so many young people opting to take this route. Our education system especially that related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is not structured in manner in which it enables one to finish their degree and start a business right away, maybe this should change. We need BSc or B.Eng degrees to incorporate social studies, business studies and financial literacy so that one is equipped enough to be able to think out of the ‘laboratory’ box in our case.

Here is what I would do or suggest

I would look at starting a ‘post degree skills development programme’ which is something similar to an internship programme but with a broader exposure for graduates, and I would recruit graduates and have them incubated for a period of 18 months and allow them to rotate within three sectors (Research and development, social development or business orientated sector) of their choice and assign mentors who will help assess the most suited graduates with the ability to advance further in their chosen field. The programme can have one mentor per three graduates. Once the 18 months is done the mentors assigned must help the graduates look for opportunities most suited for them. This will include offering assistance with seeking funding to start a business. I think the reason we are failing is because we are all doing trial and error, whereas there are people out there who have walked the path before us and have experiences that we can learn from.

Name one great achievement you are most proud of.

I have filed two patents together with my colleague in the lithium ion battery based on my PhD work. I am very proud of this achievement as a young emerging researcher as this means I am already playing an important role towards adding to the knowledge and innovation economy of our country.

Name one young person whose work you are inspired by.

Siyabulela Xuza, a born innovator who started experimenting in his mother's kitchen. He has a planet named after him, known as Siyaxuza. He is an incredible young man. Even after all this he continues to work hard and literally reach for the stars.