Christiaan Van Den Berg
Tackling Unemployment in South Africa

Tackling Unemployment in South Africa

Unemployment remains one of the most pressing issues in South Africa. The youth, in particular, face unprecedented challenges, where the search for a job can feel like an endless uphill battle. According to Christiaan van den Berg, CEO and co-founder of JobJack, "Six out of 10 job seekers in South Africa face the impossible choice between job hunting and feeding their families." This harsh reality underscores the immense need for accessible and sustainable job opportunities, especially for those in entry-level positions.
In a recent episode of the SAICA Biz Impact Podcast, Christiaan sat down to discuss the founding and mission of JobJack, a tech platform that’s making waves in South Africa’s job market. The platform, designed to simplify the entire entry-level recruitment process, has connected millions of job seekers with employers, offering hope to those who struggle to make ends meet.

The Birth of JobJack: Addressing a Gap in the Market

JobJack was born from Christiaan’s first hand experience of the job market during his articles as a SAICA trainee. He was struck by the stark contrast between his own opportunities and those of his peers. "Not a lot of my peers that were studying with me, and those that weren't studying, really struggled to find work," he explained. This awareness became the foundation of JobJack, which seeks to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers.
The platform’s goal is to offer an accessible, data-free solution for users across South Africa. JobJack enables users to create online CVs, apply for jobs, and showcase their skills without needing to download an app—an important feature given the financial constraints of many job seekers. As Christiaan noted, many people can't afford the R938 it costs each month to search for jobs. By providing a free, easy-to-use web app, JobJack eliminates barriers and opens doors to employment opportunities that were previously out of reach.

The Impact: Over 3 Million Job Seekers and Counting

Since its launch, JobJack has registered over 3 million job seekers, with more than 25,000 placements into jobs at companies like KFC, McDonald's, and Woolworths. Christiaan highlighted the platform’s steady growth, now averaging around 1,400 placements per month. However, this impressive reach reflects both the need for such a service and the severity of the unemployment crisis in the country. "It's amazing to speak to the accessibility," Christiaan shared, "but it's very sad to think of the need out there."
Despite the scale of the challenge, JobJack’s impact is undeniable. The platform is helping to break the cycle of poverty by creating sustainable career paths for South Africa’s youth. "Each job seeker we place impacts about four dependents," Christiaan noted, emphasising how each placement has a ripple effect on families and communities.

A Platform for Employers and Job Seekers Alike

JobJack isn't just about providing jobs for job seekers. It also serves employers who face their own set of challenges in filling entry-level positions. "Some companies are sitting with hundreds, if not thousands, of unfilled vacancies because it’s too much of a slip in finding the right people," Christiaan explained. JobJack’s Software as a Service (SaaS) tool helps employers manage their recruitment processes efficiently, bridging the gap between them and the job seekers they need.
By offering filtering questions, psychometric tests, and data-light access for users, JobJack ensures that both job seekers and employers find the right match. This not only creates better employment outcomes but also fosters long-term career growth, helping to break the cycle of generational poverty.

Scaling for the Future: Beyond South Africa’s Borders

Looking ahead, JobJack has ambitious plans for growth. While currently focused on the South African market, there are plans to expand into other emerging markets across Africa and Eastern Europe. However, the team remains cautious, prioritising a sustainable and scalable approach. "We want to build a base and scale what we know works, not what we think works," Christiaan emphasised. Their goal is to become a dominant player in entry-level recruitment globally, all while staying true to their mission of creating meaningful, long-term impact.

The Power of Purpose

For Christiaan and his team, JobJack’s mission is about more than just filling job vacancies. "If you chase purpose, profit will follow," he said, reflecting on the company’s journey through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. This focus on purpose has been the driving force behind JobJack’s growth and resilience, guiding the team through difficult times and fueling their vision for the future.
In conclusion, JobJack represents a powerful solution to one of South Africa’s most pressing problems: unemployment. By connecting job seekers with employers and making the job search process more accessible, JobJack is providing more than just jobs; it's offering hope, empowerment, and the possibility of a brighter future.