​Since its inception in 2023, the Youth Brigade Program (Sawubona Mhlali) initiative has helped open doors for many unemployed young people across the province. One of the beneficiaries of this program is Pule Mokobori, who has been part of the program since February 2024. Mokobori, who is currently assisting in the Auxiliary and Transport unit, praises the program, saying it has been a grand initiative that is acutely designed to temporarily address the challenges of youth unemployment. He stated that the program has made a huge impact on his life and helped him understand government.

“I don’t want to lie; the program has helped me a lot. It has given me the opportunity and experience that I always wanted; it’s changed my perspective about how government works,” he said.


The 35-year-old from Tembisa said that after passing his matric in 2013, he has never been lucky enough to further his studies due to financial problems and has never found any stable job. However, Mokobori remains hopeful that his life will change for the better one day. He expressed that he could not believe the day they called him to sign the appointment letter to participate in the youth brigade program.

 
“At the time when we applied, I was not so optimistic about the program; I was just saying it was another election ploy, and I couldn’t believe when they called me. But I was so excited, as I knew that I would be able to put food on the table for my family and my children,” he explained.

 
He said he is currently doing his job with passion, as he believes that hard work pays off. “I always make sure that I go the extra mile in every task I am given,” he added. Mokobori expressed his concern that despite their significant contributions, they remain temporary workers. He is pleading with the government to consider making youth brigades permanent employees.

 
He further highlighted that if they are appointed on a permanent basis, it will not only provide them with job security but also contribute significantly to reducing unemployment rates among the youth. “It is difficult, my brother, because you think that at some point when the contract ends, you will be unemployed again, and it’s not a nice feeling.” He stated that working for the Department has given him skills and experience that he believes will open other opportunities for him.

 
Since joining the Department, he has managed to complete various certificates in Advanced Writing Skills, Ethics in the Public Service, Know and Live Our Constitution, Basic Writing Skills, Introduction to Financial Management and Budgeting, and Introduction to Project Management.

 
Mokobori mentioned that he is determined to pursue and complete the course of his dreams, Tourism Management. He added that perseverance and patience pay off at the end of the day. Mokobori expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and thanked the Gauteng Department of Social Development for the experience and exposure, adding that he believes it will help him unlock other doors in the future.