First doors open: Human stories of change

Behind every Jobs Fund project are individuals whose lives have been transformed by opportunity. This article shines a light on the human stories behind the impact. We feature three young South Africans whose lives changed when opportunities arose, and they stepped into formal employment.

At ITThynk Gaming, a Jobs Fund partner operating at the forefront of Africa’s digital and creative economy, Marketing Intern Ipeleng Kelebonye’s journey reflects the impact of opportunity. Before joining ITThynk, her life was marked by uncertainty. Despite holding a degree in Motion Picture Medium, she faced a challenge familiar to many young graduates: skills without access.

Through ITThynk’s ecosystem, Ipeleng secured her first full-time role and began building a professional identity. “This role gave me stability and confidence,” she reflects. “I now see myself as a working professional, not just a graduate trying to get a foot in the door.” The ability to support herself has given her the stability to plan for the future rather than simply survive month to month.

In the Global Business Services sector, the Skills4Success Project, implemented by Merchants in partnership with the Jobs Fund, is creating similar shifts at scale. Designed to address youth unemployment, the project combines work-readiness training with direct pathways to employment.

For Ntokozo Swelihle Nkosi, a Skills4Success participant, the programme marked a turning point. “The programme has changed my life,” she says. “I have grown so much over the past year, both professionally and personally.” Exposure to a corporate environment, diverse teams and structured training has expanded her sense of what is possible.

Another participant, Kiara Giraud, describes the programme as her first real step into the world of work. “This was my first job after leaving school and it completely changed how I see my future,” she explains. Beyond technical skills, the experience helped her think differently about her career path and long-term goals.

From an organisational perspective, Merchants view the initiative as more than a placement programme. As noted by Sydwell Shikweni, Vice President: Transformation at Merchants MEA, “We focus on building capability, confidence and real work readiness, particularly for young people who have qualifications but lack experience.” Through the Merchants Academy and partnerships across government and industry, the project is also contributing to South Africa’s broader Global Business Services growth agenda.

Together, these stories reflect a shared truth across the Jobs Fund portfolio: when access is paired with support, opportunity becomes agency. The human impact of these programmes is visible in the reimagined futures of individuals and local communities.