Strengthening graduate employability in a developing economy through social entrepreneurs

Abstract

South African university graduates face numerous challenges in their bid to secure relevant employment; obtaining a qualification does not in itself guarantee employment or employability. The labour market no longer relies on one’s qualification but also demands a set of skills that would bring about positive performance and the consistent promise of future development and success to the industry. Importantly also, given the dearth of relevant expertise for businesses, employers are reluctant to hire graduates but instead they go for well-rounded, experienced people. As a result, graduate unemployment in South Africa continues to rise. While a call has been made by the government of South Africa for social entrepreneurs to participate in reducing the escalating unemployment rate, there is yet to be a concrete approach to determining (1) how they can do so; and (2) if they really can, why they are not doing it? Considering these, this chapter attempts to reveal how social entrepreneurs can contribute to improving graduate employability. Data were obtained from 92 social entrepreneurs using the mixed methods strategy. The findings indicate that graduate employability is not merely about a graduate securing a spot in the workplace; but also about the graduate having the capacity to apply what was learnt at university. The findings informed recommendations that may benefit social entrepreneurs, education providers and policy makers.