Innovative AI career preparation platform empowers South Africa’s youth
According to Banele, the platform was inspired by personal experience and the challenges many graduates face after completing their studies.
A Tshwane University of Technology alumnus, Banele Mgwevu, is using technology to help young South Africans prepare for one of the most challenging aspects of entering the workplace – the interview process.
The software developer from Etwatwa on the East Rand, studied Information and Communication Technology at TUT’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT), where he specialised in Software Development.
Today, he is the founder of ITSAGO (Pty) Ltd, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered interview coaching and career preparation platform designed to help graduates improve their confidence, interview skills and CVs.
According to Banele, the platform was inspired by personal experience and the challenges many graduates face after completing their studies. “Being a TUT alumnus and having walked those same corridors, it was important for me to create something that gives back to students and graduates,” he said.
“I know what it feels like to finish your degree and still feel unprepared for the real world. TUT equipped me with the technical skills, but nobody taught me how to sell myself in an interview.”
The idea behind ITSAGO became even more meaningful after the company he worked for underwent restructuring, prompting him to consider returning to the job market himself.
“That feeling of uncertainty was really uncomfortable,” he explained. “Instead of just preparing for myself, I thought, ‘What if I could build something that helps everyone in that position?’”
The platform enables users to practise interview questions on camera while receiving AI-generated feedback on communication, confidence and answer structure. It also includes an AI career coach, an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and a CV Builder, all aimed at improving graduates’ chances of securing employment.
South Africa continues to face one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. Statistics South Africa reported that youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 34 reached 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the difficulties many young people face in entering the labour market.
While obtaining a qualification significantly improves employment prospects, many graduates still struggle to secure work. According to recent labour market data, graduate unemployment remains a concern, with thousands of qualified young people competing for limited opportunities.
Experts increasingly point to the need for graduates to complement their qualifications with workplace-readiness skills such as communication, interview preparation, networking and personal branding.
According to Banele, youth unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing young South Africans, particularly graduates who often struggle with confidence and interview preparation despite having the necessary qualifications.
“Many graduates have the knowledge and technical skills, but they are not always prepared for the recruitment process itself. Employers are looking for candidates who can communicate effectively, present themselves professionally and demonstrate confidence. Those are skills that can be developed,” he said.
Since launching the platform, ITSAGO has attracted hundreds of users and gained recognition in several publications, including The Citizen and Boksburg Advertiser.
Banele hopes the platform will help graduates feel better prepared, more confident and ready to compete in an increasingly demanding job market.
“As technology continues to transform the world of work, career preparation is becoming just as important as academic achievement,” he said. “Our goal is to help young people bridge the gap between graduation and employment, giving them the tools they need to succeed.”
Story by By Tshifhiwa Mudau was first published on the TUT Website.
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