DJ Zinhle apologises for calling young people unemployable

Businesswoman, DJ Zinhle, says her comments on the youth being unemployable were taken out of context and she didn’t mean to offend anyone.

 The DJ came under fire following a radio interview where she said the South African youth lack the skills for employment.

Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing the country, especially for young people who remain vulnerable in the South African job market.

The latest statistics show that the number of unemployed youth (15-34 years) went from 236 000 to 4.9 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Zinhle’s comments had social media users divided. While some agreed with her point, many others felt that she was out of touch with reality.

The media personality, who owns a luxury brand called Era by DJ Zinhle, posted a video on social media today, explaining that her gripe is with the government’s failure to equip young people for the workplace.

She, however, conceded that her choice of words might have been incorrect.

 

Dj Zinhle has apologised for calling the youth unemployable, citing her struggle with finding the proper English to express herself then. Okay 🤔

What were her intention: She wants the government to subsidise her for providing opportunities to youth who need work experience. pic.twitter.com/ngqa4ChYOY

— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) May 21, 2024

 The country’s unemployment figure currently stands at 32.9%, with 45.5% of young South Africans without jobs.

With just less than a week to the country’s hotly contested elections, many say the misfortune of unemployment among the youth could be what informs their decision.

Political analyst, Professor Dirk Kotze, says for young people to see meaningful change, they must head to the ballot box and articulate what they want.

I don’t think Dj Zinhle owed anyone an apology 🤔

— Lady L Mabuza-Thaanyane (@_LeratoMabuzaM) May 22, 2024

@DJZinhle
I don’t think you meant to hurt or offend anyone but unemployment issue is sensitive AF and you’re forgiven sisters https://t.co/fkLMYc9HIg

— Tshegofatso 🎈🇦🇷 (@Shaggy_EhxSA) May 22, 2024

Dj Zinhle you’re speaking from privileged point of view !your timing of saying things were wrong ☹️you ought to admit you can’t say things like this when your country is facing this season of unemployment !! The best analytical and approach would be initiative of training n emp

— Katleho Ernest (@PromigoLucadow) May 21, 2024

Dj Zinhle you’re speaking from privileged point of view !your timing of saying things were wrong ☹️you ought to admit you can’t say things like this when your country is facing this season of unemployment !! The best analytical and approach would be initiative of training n emp

— Katleho Ernest (@PromigoLucadow) May 21, 2024