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South Africa continues to have a high unemployment rate, forcing millions of people to search for work. However, for many applicants, the biggest barrier is not a lack of skills, but the high cost of job searching.

Limited access to mobile internet, costs for printing resumes, and travel expenses for interviews prevent many South Africans, especially in rural and underserved areas, from applying for suitable vacancies. At the same time, employers often face difficulties finding suitable candidates despite the country having a large pool of talent.

The situation is exacerbated by an economy that has been stagnant for over a decade with only 1% growth, while the unemployment rate reaches a staggering 43.7%. Zinsiva Losi, president of Cosatu, noted in her weekly column in Business Report that while the fundamental solution to the cost of living crisis for workers lies in economic development and job creation, much can and must be done in the short, medium, and long term.

Losi added that many key measures require time to fully materialize, which the country facing the triple problems of unemployment, poverty, and inequality cannot afford to wait for. She emphasized that employed workers are forced to stretch their salaries to support unemployed relatives, and the rising cost of living has led workers into debt by taking out loans to cover credit payments and family care.

It was this gap that inspired social entrepreneur Leanne Viviers to found Mintor in 2014. Initially operating as a recruitment agency, Mintor transformed into an AI-powered talent acquisition platform that connects candidates and employers via WhatsApp, helping companies automate hiring and human resource management processes.

Viviers explained that the idea arose from realizing that many capable people are excluded from employment due to practical barriers rather than a lack of ability. She stated: 'Job searching is an expensive task, especially for communities with limited digital access or those living in rural areas. From data purchases to resume printing and subsequent travel to cities—it all becomes very expensive, very quickly.'

Since its launch, Mintor has helped over 300,000 South Africans access employment opportunities while reducing the cost of job applications by 90%. By using WhatsApp, candidates can interact with employers, provide information, and be matched to relevant job skills without the need for expensive equipment or significant data costs.

The platform has also brought measurable benefits to employers. According to Mintor, companies using the platform reported increases in hiring rates of up to tenfold and an 80% improvement in hiring efficiency thanks to automated screening and candidate matching.

Today, the platform is used by organizations in both the public and private sectors, including Nando's, Sea Harvest, and the United Nations Development Programme. Like many South African businesses, Mintor faced significant challenges during the Covid pandemic as employers paused recruitment and slowed down hiring processes.

At a critical growth stage, support from the SAB Foundation allowed Mintor to continue refining its technology and repositioning the business for long-term development. After the company became a finalist for the SAB Foundation award for social innovation and disability, it received funding through the Covid Relief Fund from the SAB Foundation.

Viviers noted that financial assistance and mentorship played a crucial role in the company's transition to a more scalable Software as a Service model. She added: 'The funding gave us time to pilot new product lines and explore a more scalable Software as a Service model. The mentorship we received, particularly in marketing, also provided us with valuable knowledge as we grew.'

The SAB Foundation supports entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to South Africa's social and economic problems through funding, business development, mentorship, and market access programs.

As unemployment remains one of South Africa's most pressing economic issues, digital technologies are increasingly seen as a vital tool for improving access to employment opportunities and addressing skill mismatches in the labor market. Viviers is convinced that South Africa possesses the necessary talent to support economic growth; it just needs to ensure equal access to the chance for a better future.

The Federation of Western Indian Cinema Employees (FWICE) has expressed serious concern regarding the quality of food provided to staff, technical crew, and actors during film, television, and digital project shoots in Mumbai.

The Federation sent a letter to Tukaram Munde, Commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Department (FDA), demanding surprise inspections of filming locations and catering conditions.

According to information from FWICE, over the past few years, the federation has regularly received complaints about the quality of food on film and TV sets. The Federation claims that on some sets, workers are served food that is stale, undercooked, insufficiently nutritious, and unhygienic. They emphasize that such nutrition poses serious health and safety risks to employees who spend long periods filming.

Ashok Dubey, General Secretary of FWICE, stated that after receiving numerous complaints from affiliated organizations and federation members, they were compelled to approach the FDA. He noted that employees, technicians, and actors work on set for extended periods, and therefore, receiving safe, clean, and nutritious food at the workplace is their inherent right, not a luxury.

The Federation also raised the issue of a lack of basic dining facilities at many shooting locations. FWICE states that on several sites, employees are forced to eat in open areas lacking proper protection from dust, heat, and rain. Furthermore, there is a shortage of designated seating areas, dedicated eating spots, clean drinking water, and adequate sanitary facilities.

Ashok Dubey added that this problem goes beyond just food quality; it relates to the dignity and health of the people who play a key role in the functioning of the entertainment industry. He expressed hope that the FDA will take these complaints seriously, conduct site inspections, and hold production houses and catering agencies accountable.

FWICE demanded that the FDA conduct surprise checks not only at the Goregaon film city but also at other film and TV shooting locations in Mumbai and its surroundings. The Federation insists that FDA officials inspect kitchens, food preparation units, food storage systems, and catering services to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards.

Additionally, the federation requires that samples of food deemed unsafe, counterfeit, or unfit for consumption be taken and sent for testing. If violations are found, the federation insists on appropriate action against the relevant producer, catering service, or agency.

FWICE also appealed to the FDA to check dining conditions and other basic amenities on the sets. The Federation demands that production companies and catering agencies receive proper instructions to ensure adherence to established standards of cleanliness and food safety. FWICE called for immediate intervention by the FDA, stating its readiness to provide full cooperation in conducting inspections and granting officials access to the sets.