Super Samantha Is Going Places

Samantha Dube started in the Retail Frontline Programme and is now an Assistant Store Manager

Samantha Dube is the Assistant Manager at MRP Sport at Fourways Crossing​. Image: MRP Foundation/ Pierre Tostee

Completed Jump Start: April 2015
Career Entry point: Store Associate, MRP, West Rand Retail Crossing
Current position: Assistant Store Manager at MRP Sport, Fourways Crossing

Samantha Ayanda Dube is a shy 23-year-old who is ambitious and highly motivated to constantly improve herself.

“I grew up in Diepsloot, an informal settlement and I still live here, with my parents and older brother. I am the breadwinner in my home. I want to study business management and buy myself a house and a car,” said the determined young woman.

Matriculating in 2014, Samantha immediately joined the Jump Start Retail Frontline Programme after hearing about it from a friend. “I Googled it and found the closest area where training took place. I joined the programme in Randburg,” she said enthusiastically. “The best part was it was absolutely free. I only had to pay for transport to get there!”

“I seized the opportunity to join MRP Foundation’s Jump Start Programme because my parents could not afford to send me to university to pursue tertiary studies,” she added.

Two days after completing her training in April 2015, she was offered a part-time position at MRP, West Rand Retail Crossing. She became a permanent associate three months later. A mere four years later, Samantha is now the Assistant Manager at MRP Sport at Fourways Crossing.

For Samantha, Jump Start and the work experience that came with it have taught her that the retail world is not just about sales. “Retail is about the details in the store. It is about building relationships, especially with customers. The programme gave me a new perspective on retail,” she says.

The highlight of her journey thus far has been learning the ropes from senior management. “The processes involved in the retail sector have helped me understand my role, and put things into perspective in the workplace.”

She advises future Jump Starters not to give up on themselves, “Work your way to the top. No matter how many times you fall, pick yourself up and dust yourself off, and chase after your dreams.”

“If it wasn’t for Jump Start I will be counted as one of the many unemployed youth in South Africa.  The programme really helped me shape my life as I can provide for myself and my family”.

The Jump Start Retail Frontline Programme upskills unemployed youth to be work ready and prepares them for starter positions in stores, distribution centres and financial services, giving an opportunity to start a career in the dynamic world of retail. The two-week work readiness programme is made up of one week of life skills education followed by one week of hands-on work experience in select retail environments.