Surf Washing Powder has partnered with actress and influencer Candice Modiselle, motivational speaker and businessman Vuki Dlamini as well as career coach and brand strategist Lungisa Sonqishe. The collaboration aims to help alleviate youth unemployment in South Africa.

The courses on the e-learning platform focus on aspects including:
  • career planning
  • finding the right job
  • interview tips
  • financial education
  • budgeting information
Career Coach and mentor Lungisa Sonqishe says that she is determined to help others become better versions of themselves and that Surf's School of Shine has provided the ideal platform to get involved, making a positive impact in South African communities.

"South Africa's unemployment rate has risen tremendously; while part of it is due to the shortage of available jobs, another is that most job seekers do not understand the significance of investing a good amount of time and effort in their job search activities and preparation," says Sonqishe.

Sonqishe says that in using Surf School, job seekers can:
  • become better equipped with many career-necessary soft-skills
  • re-evaluate their job-search strategies by applying the tips and information learned
  • understand the value in presenting themselves professionally and with confidence
  • have a professionally designed CV, which the platform provides
  • recognise the significant effectiveness of clear and purposeful communication
Vuki Dlamini says that purpose and practicality have always been at the core of his work and all his messages. "The Surf School of Shine was especially appealing to me because of the practicality of the project and its platform," Dlamini says.

"Information that people can learn — and put into practice to help give themselves a better shot at life — is exactly what is needed. Not everyone is built to be an entrepreneur and the pressures of social media and society suggest being an employee is not enough," Dlamini adds.

"I want to help people realise that you can be successful as an employee. We cannot neglect the fact that 29% of South Africans are currently unemployed. We cannot abandon our job seekers in their quest for employment and we have to inspire them and equip them with the correct tools to thrive in the workplace,” he says.

Candice Modiselle says that since graduating from Wits University in 2017, she has engaged with numerous aspirational young professionals — through several organisations — and noticed the lack of skills that schools have equipped students with.

Modiselle says that this is where she has purposefully stepped in to share advice, as well as to alert South African youth of Surf and its School of Shine platform. Modiselle says that she intends to share what it has to offer with youth and to better support future employment and progress in the working world.

"I've aligned myself with many educational platforms and skills development initiatives, but none like The Surf School of Shine, which goes back to the basics to make career guidance accessible to everyone who needs it," says Modiselle. 

"I have committed to using my influence by joining forces with The Surf School of Shine. I want to develop custodians of the brand and together help build a brighter tomorrow,” adds Modiselle.

"This is the start of a worthwhile partnership between our influential spokespeople and Surf's School of Shine ambitions," says Mandisa Mbenenge, PR brand specialist at Unilever South Africa. 

"Surf wasn't looking for faces for the brand but rather brand advocates who believe in helping us make a sustainable impact in our country. Vuki, Candice and Lungisa not only share the values of Surf but are passionate about the future of this country's youth, and how their relevance and how social impact can positively affect it," adds Mbenenge. 

Surf kicked off The Surf School of Shine TVET college and mall roadshows on Tuesday, 17 September, at the TVET College in Ekurhuleni, Germiston. The roadshow will continue until Sunday, 1 December. The roadshow team will be visiting TVET colleges and various malls around Gauteng.

Colleges can expect to see and hear inspirational talks from Candice Modiselle and Vuki Dlamini, who will individually visit the colleges to engage, educate and promote the free online platform and the value the Surf School of Shine has made available to South African unemployed youth. Candice and Vuki will also be offering free one-on-one mentorship giveaways throughout the rest of this year.

For more information, or to register for the courses, visit www.surfshine.co.za. You can also follow the Surf School of Shine on Facebook or on Twitter.

*Image courtesy of Surf Washing Powder