Friends and former JumpStarters prove that passion and hard work equal success.
Emmanuel Mazibuko and Sthabiso Khumalo standing proud in the MRP Pavilion Store. Photo: MRP Foundation / Megan Pilditch
In 2007 friends Sthabiso Khumalo and Emmanuel Mazibuko decided to invest in their career by enrolling in the MRP Foundation JumpStart Programme. After just a few short years they have mastered the retail ropes and landed themselves management positions, an incredible achievement!
A direct response to the national challenge of youth unemployment, the JumpStart Programme creates an exciting learning environment for unemployed matriculants to aquire the life and retail skills necessary to start a career.
Both Sthabiso and Emmanuel had been unable to find a job after matriculating, sitting for two years before they were offered the chance of learning valuable retail skills. After enrolling in JumpStart and passing their week of retail training and tests the staff from MRP Pavilion saw the leadership potential in the two enthusiastic JumpStarters and immediately offered them a permanent position in the flagship store. The former JumpStarters have stuck together during their seven year journey with MRP, working their way up the retail ladder into management positions.
A natural born leader Sthabiso always knew he was capable of great success and now works as an Assistant Manager in the Men’s Department. His management role includes helping with the in store training of the new JumpStarters, something he is very passionate about.
Thanks to JumpStart Sthabiso found a workplace that pushed him to grow professionally and advises youth fresh out of school and searching for success:
“To achieve something you really need to work hard so whatever you gain, take it and don’t complain. Just do your best and it will pay off!”
Friend and colleague Emmanuel works just downstairs from Sthabiso in the Kids Department as Floor Manager. As well as ensuring the store is in tip top shape he too plays a big role with looking after the Jumpstarters who do their work experience in the Pavilion store.
He fondly remembers his time with JumpStart:
“When I started JumpStart I pushed myself to really make the most of the experience. I hope other teenagers find JumpStart just like we did because it’s a great start for life, it changed our lives.”
As some of the first ever Jumpstarters to enroll in the programme the friends have set an incredible standard for the many other young South Africans who have since been on the programme. They exemplify what it means to work hard with a smile on your face and with some guidance from the MRP Foundation have successfully steered the course of their lives from unemployment to a flourishing and exciting career.
