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Qualification or work experience? YES CEO Ravi Naidoo on what helps young people get hired in an AI-shaped economy

Written by Admin | Sep 14, 2026, 5:28:21 PM

 

Publication: CNBC Africa

 

YES CEO Ravi Naidoo joined CNBC Africa to discuss what helps young people get hired in South Africa’s changing world of work. While qualifications still matter, he emphasised that practical work experience and the right attitude are what build the skills employers look for: thinking on the job, problem-solving, and a readiness to learn.

He also spoke about AI in the workplace, noting that a person plus AI is better than AI alone. That is why YES encourages responsible AI use and wants young people learning usable AI tools early, including at school.