Zimbabwe's vibrant youth, brimming with potential and armed with hard-earned degrees, are facing a disheartening reality.
From one job application to another, ‘Dear recruiting manager’ is one of the statements littered in their sent emails.
A seemingly endless cycle of job applications that vanish into thin air and leave a haunting memory whenever they check their sent box.
Despite diligently responding to advertised vacancies in various institutions, countless young graduates find themselves trapped in a frustrating midpoint, never receiving even the courtesy of an acknowledgement of receipt, let alone an invitation for an interview.
This pervasive silence leaves them feeling ignored, undervalued, and increasingly desperate in a challenging Zimbabwean economic landscape.
The struggle to secure employment in Zimbabwe is a multifaceted issue, exacerbated by a struggling economy, limited opportunities, corruption and a system that often favors those with connections.
The popular question ‘Une link here wangu chero ukakanda CV?’ (Do you have a connection even if you apply?), has left graduates with no hope.
For many young graduates, the hope of building a career and contributing to their nation's development is slowly being eroded by the constant rejection and lack of feedback.
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The process of crafting compelling CVs and cover letters, meticulously tailoring them to each specific job description, becomes a repetitive and ultimately demoralising exercise when met with nothing but silence.
Some have developed a thick skin to believe that they wasted a lot of time in universities, instead of building strong links with people who are well connected.
The lack of acknowledgement, while seemingly a minor detail, carries significant weight.
It discourages applicants, reinforcing a sense of helplessness and frustration.
It leaves graduates wondering if their applications were even seen, if their qualifications were considered, or if they are simply lost in a sea of other hopefuls.
This uncertainty fuels anxiety and diminishes confidence, making the already difficult job search process even more daunting.
It is stressful to think of a long process of applying for an advertised post via a clickable link and not get even an acknowledgement.
The situation is further complicated by the perception that connections and personal relationships often play a crucial role in securing employment.
Many young graduates believe that advertised positions are often filled through back channels, with those connected to influential individuals having a distinct advantage.
This perception, whether entirely accurate or not, breeds resentment and fuels a sense of unfairness, as qualified and deserving candidates are overlooked in favour of those with the right connections.
This is very common in government recruitment like in uniformed forces.
Last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is chancellor of all state universities, capped a record of 6 778 graduates at the University of Zimbabwe.
Six thousand graduates were conferred with degrees at the Midlands State University while 3 320 graduated from the Zimbabwe Open University.
Mnangwagwa capped a total of 3 201 students with various degrees at the National University of Science and Technology, while 3 545 were capped at Chinhoyi University of Technology.
The above statistics focused only on four state universities, one can imagine all universities in Zimbabwe have to release thousands of graduates every year with all of them expected to apply for jobs.
The impact of this job application void extends beyond individual disappointment. It has broader implications for the nation's development.
Zimbabwe risks losing a generation of talented and skilled young people who are unable to find opportunities to utilise their education and contribute to the economy.
This brain drain, as young people seek greener pastures elsewhere, deprives the country of its future workforce and stifles potential economic growth.
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat)’s latest figures revealed that only 46,3% of Zimbabwe’s working age population are employed.
In its 2023 4th Quarter Labour Force Survey report, ZimStat disclosed that the working age population was 8 639 522, of which 4 003 121 were in active employment.
The psychological toll on these young graduates is significant. The constant rejection and lack of feedback can lead to feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, and even depression.
The financial strain of unemployment, coupled with the emotional burden of repeated rejections, can take a heavy toll on their well-being and their families.
Many graduates find themselves trapped in a cycle of dependency, relying on family support while their dreams of independence and self-sufficiency remain elusive.
The current system appears to prioritize connections over competence, leaving countless graduates feeling disillusioned and disenfranchised.
While networking and personal relationships are often valuable, they should not overshadow merit and qualifications.
A transparent and fair recruitment process, where all applicants are given due consideration and receive timely feedback, is essential for fostering a level playing field and ensuring that the most qualified candidates are selected for available positions.
Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including government, educational institutions, and employers.
Promoting transparency in recruitment processes, encouraging employers to acknowledge receipt of applications, and providing feedback to unsuccessful candidates are crucial steps towards creating a more equitable job market.
Furthermore, investing in programs that support youth entrepreneurship and skills development can create alternative pathways for young people to contribute to the economy.
The voices of these unheard graduates must be acknowledged. Their struggles highlight a systemic issue that needs urgent attention.
Zimbabwe's future depends on harnessing the potential of its young people.
Creating a job market that is fair, transparent, and responsive to the aspirations of its graduates is not just a matter of social justice; it is an investment in the nation's future prosperity.
Without addressing this job application void, Zimbabwe risks losing a generation of talent and jeopardising its long-term development goals.
*Evans Mathanda is a multimedia journalist at Alpha Media Holdings and a development practitioner who writes in his capacity.
