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What happens when capable South Africans are left behind simply because of age?

What happens when experience is no longer enough?

Millions of South Africans over the age of 35 are eager to work, yet many face invisible barriers that keep them out of the labour market.

In this episode, I sit down with Nonkululeko Hlongwane Mhlongo, founder of the Over 35 People's Movement, to explore why so many experienced South Africans feel forgotten by the current employment system.

This conversation examines proposed responses, practical solutions, and what government, employers and communities can do differently.

This is more than an employment conversation.

It's about dignity.
It's about opportunity.
It's about making sure experience is never wasted.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Why this conversation matters

04:10 Understanding the "missing middle"

08:00 The emotional cost of long-term unemployment

12:30 Removing age barriers

16:20 Skills development and community solutions

21:10 Government and employer responsibility

26:00 Building the Over 35 People's Movement

29:20 Final thoughts

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African Echo
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Will immigration become one of the defining issues?

Political analyst Thobani Zikalala joins Portia Mbambo on The African Echo Podcast to unpack migration, border management, coalition politics, youth participation, governance and what voters should expect in the months ahead.

The conversation explores why immigration has become a national talking point, how political parties are responding and what lessons South Africa can learn as it prepares for the next election.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction
02:10 Why immigration dominates public debate
08:20 Are political parties getting it wrong?
15:10 Border management and the Constitution
22:40 Youth, unemployment and elections
31:00 Coalition politics
39:30 What South Africa must learn
46:30 Final thoughts

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