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Beyond the degree: The story of Babongile Dube

Graduation was supposed to feel like victory, but it didn’t. Standing there at 24, holding a Civil Engineering degree from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), something felt uncertain. The applause faded quickly and one question lingered, what comes next? A few weeks before graduating, I secured an internship with a local construction firm. What started as site visits and paperwork soon turned into real responsibility. Long days under the sun, managing small projects, learning on the ground, it was tough, but it shaped me. By my second year in the field, I was supervising junior technicians and assisting in managing multiple construction sites. The pressure was intense, but so was the growth. I learned quickly that the industry rewards resilience more than perfection. Mentorship and discipline played a huge role in my journey, they taught me to lead with purpose and push beyond limits. The road hasn’t been smooth. Delays, setbacks and personal losses tested eve...
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What’s wrong with Zimbabwe’s job market?

Less than 15 percent of graduates in Zimbabwe secure formal employment within a year of completing their studies, highlighting the challenges facing young professionals entering the job market. The situation affects thousands of graduates across the country each year as they struggle to transition from university to employment. One of the major barriers is the experience paradox, where employers require work experience for entry-level jobs while graduates need employment to gain that experience. The problem is worsened by the limited availability of structured internship and graduate trainee programmes, leaving many young professionals unable to build the experience needed to compete in the labour market. Employment opportunities are also often influenced by professional networks, with some jobs circulating through connections rather than public advertisements. This leaves many qualified graduates without access to available positions. Even when graduates find employment, entry-lev...
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Graduates Turn to Self-Employment as Job Opportunities Shrink

Facing limited formal employment opportunities, many graduates are increasingly turning to self-employment and leveraging the digital platforms to generate income rather than waiting for jobs in a strained economy. Recent observations indicate that a growing number of young degree holders are exploring freelancing, small businesses and online work as alternative sources of livelihood. Platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr are becoming popular among graduates offering services like writing, graphic design and social media management to international clients. “I sent out countless job applications without success, so I decided to start freelancing,” said Casey Chimhangwa, a Bulawayo based graduate who now earns income through online gigs. Stories like these are becoming increasingly common as graduates adapt to a competitive job market. Others are venturing into entrepreneurship, using digital tools such as Canva to launch small businesses ranging from clothing brands to online servi...
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Another hurdle for Zim graduates: NYS certificate now a new job requirement

​A new challenge has befallen the job seeking graduates of Zimbabwe, after the Youth Minister Tino Machakaire made an announcement that the National Youth Service (NYS) certificate will now be a requirement for graduates to be eligible to apply for jobs. This comes at a time when many graduates in the country are unemployed or underemployed. According to the statistics, thirty to forty-five thousand graduates enter the market annually, but fewer than 20 percent find jobs in the formal sector.  Minister Machaike stated the drive behind this big change: “As Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, my mandate is to advance the empowerment and holistic development of our young people through diverse programs and initiatives.However , true empowerment and development cannot exist without a strong foundation. A young person cannot be fully developed if they are not firmly grounded in their identity, values and history. When we understand where we come from, we ...
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Graduation Cheers Fade as Reality Hits Zimbabwe’s Graduates

Graduation day is over and reality is kicking in. Thousands of Zimbabwean students, armed with degrees and big dreams are facing a harsh truth as jobs are scarce. Universities churn out graduates in commerce, engineering, media and social sciences, yet the formal job market simply cannot absorb them.  According to ZIMSTATS, over 80% of working Zimbabweans are stuck in the informal sector, with only a few landing stable, formal employment. The economy remains fragile, companies are closing, industries slow to recover, and opportunities for skilled graduates are limited. The once-cherished dream of a 9-to-5 office job is fading fast, leaving young people asking: what’s next for Zimbabwe’s graduates? Share your thoughts in the commentsšŸ˜
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