Page 24 - Energize August 2022

NEWS

Lifeline extended to young

unemployed graduate

hen a kind stranger took a photograph of Momelezi Graham comments: “Youth development is
Sifumba standing at a busy roadside with a cardboard everyone’s responsibility; business has a responsibility
Wsign stating: ‘Help Me to Find a Job’ and posted it on to help develop our youth. Momelezi has overcome
LinkedIn, little did the unemployed graduate know it would catch the many challenges to obtain his education, and now
attention of Graham Abrahams, Senior Vice President, Electrification with ABB we will ensure he has the opportunity to
at ABB, who would change the course of the young man’s life. complete the practical experience to qualify fully as an
Although he graduated with a BTech in Electrical Engineering engineer. I look forward to seeing how he embraces
(Power Systems) in 2018, Momelezi says he was unable to find this opportunity and will follow his development and
employment in his chosen field, even after knocking on the doors career closely.”
of various companies. “Despite the constant rejection, I still had Momelezi is employed as a graduate apprentice
a hunger for success, knowing all I needed was an opportunity to in the Electrification Business Area, working under
prove myself,” says Momelezi. It was this determination and self- Graham himself. The training provided is hands-
belief that resulted in the fateful decision to stand by the roadside on and will see Momelezi rotate through different
with a placard. departments and activities to ensure his practical
experience is as well-rounded as possible. With a
bright future suddenly in front of him, Momelezi says
there is nothing to stop him from aspiring to assume a
team leader or management role. One day he will also
be in the position to be a mentor to other deserving
and unemployed youth.
Communications and Marketing Manager Busisiwe
Molefe explains that ABB has heeded President Cyril
Ramaphosa’s call for the private sector to assist in
combating the scourge of youth unemployment.
“Momelezi’s inspiring story also speaks to the spirit
of Nelson Mandela Day, where we are called upon to
reflect as a society on how best to effect the changes
we want to see around us,” says Busisiwe.
Refilwe Mocumi, HR Services Specialist: Learning
& Development and ELCM, reveals that from 2020 to
date, 60 graduates have been permanently employed
at ABB. In addition, 80% of the candidates from the
company’s training programmes have found gainful
employment. “Our aim as an engineering company
is to afford all youth the opportunity to enter our
industry, including disabled people.” says Refilwe.
All the best to Momelezi Sifumba in his new role!
As ABB, we will support him in reaching his career
goals.

Contact Busisiwe Molefe, ABB, Phone 010 202 5523,
busisiwe.molefe@za.abb.com, www.abb.com

energize | August 2022 | 22