Presented by dotsure.co.za

Building Work-Ready Talent: How Dotsure Invests in SA’s Youth

Partner

 ·4 Jun 2026

^{From left to right: Asanda Ntsomi, Nondumiso Nhleko (General Manager: People), Lisakhanya Pendu, Damian Elliott, Piwe Bomvu, and Melisse Hilligenn.}

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis remains one of the country’s biggest economic and social challenges.

But while conversations around employment often focus on statistics, businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of investing in human potential before experience exists.

• Click here to learn more about careers at dotsure.co.za.

For dotsure.co.za, youth development has become part of a broader strategy focused on building work-ready talent, strengthening skills pipelines, and supporting long-term economic resilience.

According to Talent Acquisition Manager at dotsure.co.za, Melisse Hilligenn, “young people often enter the labour market with ambition and qualifications, but without the workplace exposure needed to confidently transition into corporate environments”.

^{Damian Elliott, barista growing in his career as Senior Analytical Coordinator (Data & Risk) at dotsure.co.za.}

Building work-ready talent

“Young people need more than qualifications,” says Melisse. “They need mentorship, exposure, and environments where they can learn without fear.”

This approach has shaped dotsure.co.za’s investment in youth skills programmes, mentorship, and practical workplace development initiatives designed to help bridge entry-level hiring challenges.

The journey into employment has looked different for each young professional inside the business.

Lisakhanya Pendu joined through the YearBeyond programme, while Asanda Ntsomi and Piwe Bomvu both started as interns.

Damian Elliott’s journey began as a barista before evolving through internal growth opportunities and mentorship.

Lisakhanya, now working as a Life Internal Sales Consultant, says the YearBeyond programme became a turning point in her life.

“YearBeyond played a major role in changing my direction, especially because I was part of the NEET group: young people not in employment, education, or training at the time.

It gave me structure, purpose, and most importantly, exposure to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Dotsure saw potential, not just experience,” she says.

^{Lisakhanya “Lisa” Pendu, YearBeyond candidate turned Life Internal Sales Consultant at dotsure.co.za.}

Why businesses benefit too

While youth empowerment programmes create opportunities for young employees, businesses also gain access to fresh thinking, digital fluency, and adaptable talent.

Dotsure Social Media Manager, Asanda Ntsomi, says younger employees often bring a strong understanding of evolving online culture and consumer behaviour.

“I realised I belonged in the corporate environment when I started confidently contributing ideas during meetings and seeing those ideas come to life,” she says.

Melisse believes that adaptability has become increasingly valuable in fast-moving industries. “Young people bring curiosity and fresh thinking into spaces that may have become stuck in old ways of working,” she explains.

^{Piwe Bomvu, intern turned Marketing Project Manager at dotsure.co.za.}

Investing in human capital

As businesses continue navigating South Africa’s changing labour market, many are recognising that upskilling future employees is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Piwe Bomvu, who originally joined dotsure.co.za as an intern, believes mentorship played a major role in helping her build confidence professionally.

“Confidence does not always come before the opportunity,” she says. “Sometimes it comes from doing the work and realising you are more capable than you thought.”

For dotsure.co.za, the focus remains clear: investing in people early, creating opportunities for growth, and helping young South Africans move from potential into meaningful employment.

Because when businesses invest in youth development, they don’t only strengthen future workforces, they help strengthen the future of South African communities.

Ready to grow your career somewhere that believes in potential, just as much as experience? Explore opportunities at the dotsure.co.za Careers Page to take the next step in your journey.

Dotsure Limited (Registration number 2006/000723/06) is a licensed non-life insurer and authorised financial services provider (FSP39925). 

Click here to learn more about careers at dotsure.co.za.

^{Asanda Ntsomi, intern turned Social Media Manager at dotsure.co.za.}