Issued by Ismail Joosub on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation on 19/08/2024

The FW de Klerk Foundation is proud to have been an exhibitor at the KAS-SAIIA (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and South African Institute of International Affairs) Johannesburg Careers Event 2024, held on 14 August at the University of the Witwatersrand. This event, themed “Formative Futures: How to Find Employment with Your Humanities Degree”, addressed the critical issue of youth unemployment, particularly among humanities graduates, who often face misconceptions about their degrees’ value in the job market.

The event featured esteemed speakers, including Prof Bhaso Ndzendze from the University of Johannesburg, who highlighted the adaptability and critical thinking skills that humanities graduates bring to today’s rapidly changing world. Leanne Manas, from the SABC, discussed the importance of storytelling and media in shaping public perception, while representatives from DIRCO (the Department of International Relations and Cooperation) underscored the global opportunities available in international relations and diplomacy.

The FW de Klerk Foundation’s participation drew significant attention from students across Gauteng, many of whom expressed keen interest in our internship programme and university structures. Attendees were particularly impressed with the Foundation’s work in advancing constitutionalism, promoting social justice and fostering reconciliation.

Ismail Joosub, Manager of the Constitutional Advancement Programme, emphasised the importance of the event: “The KAS-SAIIA Careers Event provides an invaluable platform for us to connect with the next generation of leaders. It allows us to inspire and empower young South Africans, ensuring that they understand the vital role they can play in upholding and advancing the constitutional values that underpin our democracy.“

Ezra Mendel, a Constitutional Advancement intern at the FW de Klerk Foundation, reinforced this commitment: “At the FW de Klerk Foundation, we see the potential in every young person and offer them a platform to contribute to South Africa’s socio-economic development.“

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (“KAS”) and the South African Institute of International Affairs (“SAIIA”) for hosting this vital event and inviting the FW de Klerk Foundation to showcase our work.