Every dream needs a doorway. For thousands of South African graduates, that doorway is FirstJob, a programme turning ambition into action, and uncertainty into hope, one young life at a time.
Explore their Stories
Explore
their Stories
Omega Fumba, Content Manager, Adclick Africa
Omega once faced closed doors despite her degrees. Through FirstRand’s FirstJob internship, she learned workplace skills and gained confidence. Before completing the programme, she secured her first job. For Omega, that opportunity was more than employment—it was hope and proof that South Africa’s youth thrive when given a chance.
Sharissa Naicker, Group Learning Manager, FirstRand
Sharissa sees the gap between education and employment daily. Through FirstJob, she helps bridge it by placing youth internally and with partners, fostering entrepreneurial thinking. Watching interns launch businesses and succeed affirms her belief: investing in young minds sparks innovation that transforms workplaces and strengthens communities.
Jason Make, Founder, Jason Creations
Jason studied accountancy but dreamed of fashion. FirstJob placed him at Cape Town Opera, where creativity met business. That experience inspired Jason Creations—a brand offering timeless beauty. For Jason, the internship wasn’t just training; it was the foundation for his dream and the start of a thriving enterprise.
Ngiphile Ndimande, CEO, Chichi Fashion House
Ngiphile’s childhood passion for fashion faced harsh realities. FirstJob gave her stability and a stipend she used to grow Chi Chi Fashion House—buying fabrics, machines, and hope. Today, clients walk into her studio and see transformation. Opportunity didn’t just fund her business; it reignited her lifelong dream.
Busisiwe Panziso, Facilitator, Sakha Ingomso Foundation
Busisiwe grew up where opportunities were limited.Through FirstJob, she worked with Tomorrow Trust and learned entrepreneurship. That training drives her mission: raise funds to expand Sakha Ingomso, fight drugs, and change mindsets early. For Busisiwe, the programme was more than work—it was a catalyst for community change.
Kone Gugushe, Head of Social Investing, FirstRand
Kone knows youth unemployment is staggering. Since 2018, FirstJob has invested millions, employed thousands, and grown from 18 partners to nearly 90. For her, it’s more than numbers—it’s lives transformed. Every intern placed represents a future unlocked, and that’s why this work remains deeply personal and vital.
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Omega dreamed big but faced a harsh truth: degrees don’t guarantee jobs. Like many graduates, she needed more than ambition—she needed a chance. Through FirstRand’s FirstJob programme, that chance arrived.
FirstJob bridges the gap between education and employment, placing young South Africans in 12-month internships across industries. For Dimpho, it meant stepping into treasury and learning the language of finance. For Nkanyiso, it was a lifeline after two years of job hunting, a chance to grow in an environment that valued his energy.
The programme offers more than work experience—it builds confidence and opens doors. A stipend helps interns support families, pay for studies, and even fund dreams. Ngiphile used hers to grow a fashion studio; Busisiwe invested in a community project to fight poverty and violence.
Behind every placement is mentorship, training, and belief—because FirstJob isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about unlocking futures. Many alumni now lead teams, run businesses, and mentor others, proving that opportunity multiplies when shared.
FirstRand’s commitment shows what happens when a company invests in people: potential becomes progress, and progress becomes hope—for individuals, families, and communities across South Africa.
