There is a substantial number of graduates that are not employed because there is simply fewer job opportunities than the number of graduates we produce. Because most studied what is not critically in demand in this country.

Because some employers are unable to see beyond these pity surface short-term issues like spelling errors, document formatting, lack of confidence, lack of posture, etc. Because some employers are too lazy to train, coach and mentor our talented and/or educated young people.

Because our country is not patriotic enough to help - not criticise - those in need.

Because tertiary institutions do not form enough relationships with industry so that we can carefully align academic curriculum with industry needs without compromising the autonomy of academic institutions too much. Because in our schools there is not enough career guidance.

Because we have low levels of entrepreneurship. Because we rely too much on foreign investors when all of us can combine our resources and become local investors who are willing to build this beautiful country.

The bottom line is we cannot neglect and condemn our youth forever. At some stage we need to take collective responsibility, for our society is a reflection of all of us, of all of our failures and successes. We have to make use of our natural talent as is - we have to groom, develop, and assist our young people.

It would be more acceptable to me if the Good Old Professor suggested ways to make our young people employable in a more caring and considerate way rather than in such negative, judgemental and discouraging manner.

It has also been mentioned elsewhere that people with low marks can be productive and reliable employees and that high flyers are mostly suited in an academic environment. Why do we have a 50% pass rate at tertiary institutions if it serves no real purpose in our society?

There is also a survival tendency by academic institutions where lecturers just want to keep their departments going, simply accepting students without advising them on possible job opportunities.

I’m working to establish an organisation that aims to do all of the things I have highlighted above, hopefully leading to a higher unemployment rate. I have noticed that there are many so-called “Graduate Job Readiness Programmes” that are being introduced more regularly.

Recently we have heard in the news there are now even experienced engineers who are unemployed (specifically civil engineers, due to meltdown in big construction projects).

These are some of the issues that make me realise we all have to pull together and stop pointing fingers.