ABB’s lifeline to unemployed graduate
Third Quarter 2022
News & events
When a kind stranger took a photograph of Momelezi Sifumba standing at a busy roadside with a cardboard sign stating: ‘Help Me to Find a Job’ and posted it on LinkedIn, little did the unemployed graduate know it would catch the attention of Graham Abrahams, senior vice president at ABB, who would change the course of the young man’s life. Having graduated with a BTech in Electrical Engineering in 2018, Sifumba was unable to find employment, even after knocking on the doors of many companies. “Despite the constant rejection, I still had a hunger for success, knowing all I needed was an opportunity to prove myself,” he says. It was this determination and self-belief that resulted in his decision to stand by the roadside with a placard. Abrahams comments: “Business has a responsibility to help develop our youth. Sifumba overcame many challenges to get his education, and ABB will ensure he has the opportunity to complete his practical experience and qualify fully as an engineer.”
He is employed as a graduate apprentice in the Electrification business area. With a bright future suddenly in front of him, he says there is nothing to stop him from aspiring to a team leader or management role. One day he will be able to mentor other unemployed youth. ABB’s communications and marketing manager, Busisiwe Molefe says that this inspiring story speaks to the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day, where we are called upon to reflect on how best to effect the change we want to see around us. Since 2020, 60 graduates have been permanently employed at ABB, and 80% of the candidates from the company’s training programmes have found gainful employment.
Further reading:
Next-generation motor management solution
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...
Integrated Air Solutions places energy efficiency at centre stage
News & events
Integrated Air Solutions will showcase Tier 1 compressor brands, advanced technologies and compressed air solutions at Electra Mining Africa 2026, with energy efficiency and total cost of ownership at the core of its exhibition theme.
Read more...
SI programme strengthens partner ecosystem
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events
Schneider Electric will soon officially launch its new System Integrator (SI) Programme, which will mark a major change in how the company partners with industrial automation specialists across Southern, East and West Africa.
Read more...
OMRON Robotics demos next-generation autonomous mobile robots
Editor's Choice News & events Robotics & Mechatronics
Advancing smarter material flow with the all-new LD-150 and LD-300 AMRs, OMRON Robotics demonstrated the next generation of its flagship LD series autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automate 2026 in June.
Read more...
Pump spares and parts for Africa
News & events
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...
The hidden heroes who shape Africa’s industrial future
Bosch Rexroth Africa
Editor's Choice News & events
Behind every industrial success story, there’s a human one. Their names may never appear on a project signboard or in a headline. Yet their expertise and determination keep industries moving every day.
Read more...
Bühler Southern Africa leads industry dialogue on apprenticeships
Editor's Choice News & events
Bühler Southern Africa brought together representatives from industry, government and international organisations on
30 June 2026 to explore how quality apprenticeships can help bridge the gap between high youth unemployment and industry demand for skilled technical workers.
Read more...
Drive technology for the agricultural sector
SEW-EURODRIVE
News & events
SEW-EURODRIVE’s advanced drive, automation and condition monitoring technologies are helping agricultural businesses.
Read more...
New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
News & events
Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.
Read more...
New automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
Read more...
printer friendly version