Professional CV writer and human rights consultantJoe Japtha of East London read the Dispatch story and gave Benu’s CV a free professional makeover.
Benu got a number of offers and interest from around the country but most were entrepreneurial or vague, and with a son to support at Cambridge Primary, he felt it prudent to stay with BCM where he has medical aid.
At the end of last month, Benu pitched for work as usual only to be told by his supervisor he would not be riding the truck.
“I asked why? He said the programme manager wants to see me. I met her and she explained there was a vacant acting post as an administration clerk. She offered it to me. I gladly accepted.”
Benu’s new job in the solid waste administration block is to field calls from the public about waste removal.
The years spent on the road running behind the truck have given him excellent experience. “I know how the system works and how to advise the public.”
Dispatch visited Benu in his new post. Little about the sanitation department is smart, but his desk was a model of orderliness.
Gone were the grubby overalls, gloves and hard hat he was wearing when the Dispatch first met him per chance in Bonza Bay Road.
He was wearing a hip polka dot collared shirt, slim-cut jeans, shiny pointy-toe shoes and a large smile.
He said he was busy on his computer answering e-mails.
“I’m out of uniform, but have to look presentable. I get to interact with the public. If I want tea, I can request it and it will be brought to me. Things are really really looking up.”
Benu now wants to bring together other unemployed or under-employed Eastern Cape graduates to talk about getting work and careers going.
Japtha said: “It’s good that they have rewarded him. Though I don’t think that’s where he belongs. He needs to be in the position he studied for.
“I will continue to assist him until he finds the right place. He is one of many graduates who find themselves out in the real world unable to fend for themselves.” — mikel@dispatch.co.za
Garbage graduate lands clean office job at BCM
Professional CV writer and human rights consultantJoe Japtha of East London read the Dispatch story and gave Benu’s CV a free professional makeover.
Benu got a number of offers and interest from around the country but most were entrepreneurial or vague, and with a son to support at Cambridge Primary, he felt it prudent to stay with BCM where he has medical aid.
At the end of last month, Benu pitched for work as usual only to be told by his supervisor he would not be riding the truck.
“I asked why? He said the programme manager wants to see me. I met her and she explained there was a vacant acting post as an administration clerk. She offered it to me. I gladly accepted.”
Benu’s new job in the solid waste administration block is to field calls from the public about waste removal.
The years spent on the road running behind the truck have given him excellent experience. “I know how the system works and how to advise the public.”
Dispatch visited Benu in his new post. Little about the sanitation department is smart, but his desk was a model of orderliness.
Gone were the grubby overalls, gloves and hard hat he was wearing when the Dispatch first met him per chance in Bonza Bay Road.
He was wearing a hip polka dot collared shirt, slim-cut jeans, shiny pointy-toe shoes and a large smile.
He said he was busy on his computer answering e-mails.
“I’m out of uniform, but have to look presentable. I get to interact with the public. If I want tea, I can request it and it will be brought to me. Things are really really looking up.”
Benu now wants to bring together other unemployed or under-employed Eastern Cape graduates to talk about getting work and careers going.
Japtha said: “It’s good that they have rewarded him. Though I don’t think that’s where he belongs. He needs to be in the position he studied for.
“I will continue to assist him until he finds the right place. He is one of many graduates who find themselves out in the real world unable to fend for themselves.” — mikel@dispatch.co.za
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