Ten South African bus drivers from different areas of Cape Town are set to fly to Germany as they embark on an international opportunity that could transform their lives.
After a period of unemployment, the drivers were selected through the City's Jobs Connect platform’s International Bus Driver Recruitment Initiative, which aims to link local talent with global opportunities.
The group departed on Friday, April 17, 2023, to showcase their skills behind the wheel of German buses as part of an overseas driving assessment.
They underwent a rigorous selection and training process, including verification of driving credentials to meet international standards and assessments at a dedicated centre.
Successful candidates receive language and intercultural training, as well as assistance with work visas and relocation.
An excited Philile Mgobhozi from Mfuleni expressed her pride in being among those chosen to represent the country abroad. “This is a great opportunity for all of us as drivers, and we are very grateful. It will help us build a better future for ourselves and our families,” she said.
Like many leaving home for work, Ms Mgobhozi admitted she would miss South Africa but stated that the move was necessary to support her loved ones. She is expected to remain in Germany until 2028 and hopes her contract will be renewed.
Fellow driver Masixole Mashalaba, from Hout Bay, described the opportunity as the start of a promising career and expressed confidence that it would open doors for others in the group. While acknowledging that language could be a challenge, he remained optimistic, saying the basics they had already learned would help them improve once abroad.
Kurt Joshua, commercial and client services director at Leelyn Management, a partner of the initiative, said it was not only creating local employment opportunities but also opening global career pathways for South Africans.
“The demand for skilled workers in global markets presents an incredible opportunity for South Africans to gain international experience, earn competitive salaries, and contribute to skills development both locally and abroad,” he said.
He added that by extending recruitment beyond South Africa’s borders, Jobs Connect is demonstrating its ability to bridge talent gaps across industries while empowering individuals with career-enhancing opportunities.
Mr Joshua expressed his satisfaction with the calibre of the selected drivers, noting that as the first group, they carry the responsibility of paving the way for others.
He urged them to work hard and represent the country with integrity.
“Many drivers in Cape Town have reached a ceiling in their careers. This opportunity allows them to expand their horizons, improve their skills, and pursue new heights. In Germany, they will be driving state-of-the-art buses while creating better futures for their families,” he said.
The group also received well-wishes from German Consulate representative Philipp Liesbrock, who described the initiative as a win for both countries.
He said he hoped that more South African drivers would follow in their footsteps.
The Jobs Connect platform, a workforce development initiative by the City of Cape Town in partnership with Leelyn Management, aims to tackle unemployment in townships.
This latest campaign marks its first international recruitment drive, focused on placing skilled South African bus drivers in Germany.
Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said that taking Cape Town’s talent to the global stage is a significant milestone.
“Jobs Connect has already made a meaningful impact locally, and this expansion shows that our workforce is competitive, skilled, and ready for international opportunities,” he said.
Mr Vos added that the initiative is a win for the city, its economy, and, most importantly, for individuals seeking sustainable employment.
Find Athlone News on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza