A sombre silence swept through Soweto on Friday morning as family, friends, and fellow e-hailing drivers gathered outside Maponya Mall to pay their final respects to 27-year-old Mthokozisi Mvelase. The young driver’s life was brutally cut short last month in an attack that shocked the nation and reignited urgent calls for greater protection of workers in South Africa’s gig economy.

The send-off began with a deeply moving ritual performed by Mvelase’s family to “fetch his spirit” from the site where his life ended. This traditional practice, steeped in Zulu culture, is seen as an essential step in guiding the soul back home, ensuring that it rests in peace among the ancestors. With heavy hearts, his relatives performed the ritual before a convoy of vehicles departed for Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal, where his burial will take place on Saturday.

A Life Cut Short

On 13 August, Mvelase was ambushed while working near the very same mall where he was later bid farewell. According to eyewitnesses, he was shot and his car was set alight in a scene too horrific for many to forget. Images and videos of the charred vehicle quickly spread across social media, triggering public outrage and drawing attention to the risks faced daily by e-hailing drivers.

Friends remembered him as a humble, hardworking man who was committed to supporting his family. “He worked tirelessly to make an honest living,” said one fellow driver. “It is heartbreaking that his life ended this way.”

Solidarity on the Streets

The convoy that carried his body was joined by dozens of vehicles, many driven by his colleagues in the e-hailing industry. They carried flowers and placards bearing the words “Justice for Mthokozisi” and “Stop Killing Drivers.” Their united presence was both a tribute and a demand for accountability.

Residents who lined the streets expressed deep anger at the rising tide of violent crime in townships and city centres. “This could have been anyone’s brother or son,” one elderly woman remarked, shaking her head as the convoy passed.

Calls for Action

The tragedy has become a rallying point for activists and transport organisations, who are urging law enforcement to act with urgency. While police have yet to announce arrests, pressure is mounting for authorities to not only bring Mvelase’s killers to justice but also to strengthen safety protocols for drivers working in the sector.

The Final Journey

As the convoy left Soweto, the grief of those gathered was palpable. For Mvelase’s family, the road to Ulundi marks the last chapter of an unbearably painful journey. For the broader community, however, his death has lit a fire for change—one that may well shape the future of safety in the gig economy.

ABSA Announces Latest Vacancies: Opportunities for Growth in Banking and Beyond

In a time when unemployment remains a pressing challenge in South Africa, ABSA Bank has announced a new round of vacancies across multiple departments, offering hope for skilled professionals and graduates seeking to enter the financial sector. The recruitment drive reflects ABSA’s broader strategy of modernising its services, embracing digital banking, and expanding its footprint in both urban and rural markets.

Opportunities Across Various Departments

ABSA’s latest job listings reveal openings in areas such as retail banking, corporate investment, digital transformation, IT security, and risk management. Customer-facing roles, including branch consultants and relationship managers, are available for individuals passionate about service excellence, while backend roles in finance, auditing, and compliance cater to those with specialised qualifications.

Tech professionals will find opportunities in data science, cloud computing, and cybersecurity—fields that are becoming increasingly vital as banks shift towards digital-first operations. ABSA has been steadily investing in digital platforms, making roles in innovation and fintech integration critical for its growth strategy.

Graduate and Internship Programs

For young graduates, ABSA has expanded its Learnerships and Graduate Development Programs. These initiatives are designed to provide structured on-the-job training, mentorship, and the possibility of permanent placement. The programs target graduates in finance, IT, data analytics, economics, and even social sciences, reflecting ABSA’s commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

According to HR representatives, the bank is particularly focused on addressing youth unemployment by opening pathways for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Skills in Demand

The latest vacancies highlight the growing demand for digital literacy, analytical skills, and adaptability. Positions in AI-driven banking solutions and fraud detection systems show how ABSA is aligning itself with global trends in fintech.

However, traditional banking skills remain essential. Strong interpersonal communication, financial advisory expertise, and client relationship management continue to be cornerstones of the institution’s recruitment focus.

A Focus on Diversity and Inclusion

ABSA has also reaffirmed its commitment to diversity in hiring. The bank’s latest recruitment campaign explicitly encourages applications from women, people living with disabilities, and individuals from historically marginalised communities. This aligns with the company’s broader transformation agenda and its goal of reflecting South Africa’s demographic profile within its workforce.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through ABSA’s official careers portal, where detailed job descriptions and requirements are posted. Applicants are advised to prepare carefully tailored CVs and cover letters, highlighting not only technical skills but also adaptability and a commitment to innovation.

Industry analysts suggest that ABSA’s recruitment drive comes at a pivotal moment, as South Africa’s banking sector undergoes rapid change driven by new technologies and shifting customer expectations. For job seekers, this represents a chance not just to secure employment but to be part of the sector’s evolution.

Expert View

Economic experts note that ABSA’s expansion of its workforce signals cautious optimism about South Africa’s economic recovery. By creating new positions in both traditional banking and digital platforms, ABSA is positioning itself to remain competitive while addressing high levels of unemployment.

“Financial institutions like ABSA are playing a dual role—driving profitability while also helping tackle joblessness,” said economic analyst Thandiwe Nkosi. “This latest recruitment push demonstrates that opportunities still exist for South Africans with the right mix of skills and determination.”

Final Word

For thousands of job seekers, ABSA’s vacancies represent more than just career opportunities; they embody hope at a time when many are struggling to find work. Whether one is a graduate eager to step into the corporate world or a seasoned professional seeking a new challenge, ABSA’s openings reflect the changing face of banking—and the possibilities that come with it.

With the application window now open, competition is expected to be fierce. But for those who succeed, the reward is not just a job, but a chance to shape the future of financial services in South Africa.