NOLUVO MGIJIMA 

THE hardships of being unemployed for a Matatiele-born author led to the publication of a new book called: Jobless, Not Useless: Surviving the Silence.

Abulele Mnqwazi (28) has been unemployed for the past four years. She graduated in 2021 with a public relations management qualification, and in 2023 she obtained an Advanced Diploma in Public Management.

Last year, she wrote about her experiences of being unemployed with qualifications at hand.

The book was published in January this year and reflects on the personal struggles of being unemployed. In speaking about the book, she said she wants it to be used as a guide for people struggling to find work.

She said unemployment can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem and loss of purpose.

“When I was writing the book, some days, I felt like my existence didn’t matter. I have been unemployed for four years and the pain of being jobless pushed me to write the book,” she said.

She said unemployment is not just about not having a job but losing your sense of identity, purpose and belonging.

To get a copy of the book, contact 063 164 3558.