The Chair

The Chair: Bridging the Gap Between Unemployment and Opportunity in South Africa

Hosted by Mpho Monareng

South Africa continues to face a critical challenge: high levels of unemployment, particularly among its youth. With millions of qualified, talented, and eager young South Africans struggling to find meaningful employment, The Chair emerges as a bold and innovative solution aimed at addressing this socio-economic crisis head-on.

The Chair is a groundbreaking reality television competition series that brings together unemployed young South Africans, prospective employers, and top employment agencies in a highly engaging and impactful format. The show offers a unique and real-world opportunity for job seekers to showcase their skills, personality, and determination while giving employers direct access to talent across a variety of sectors.

Concept and Format

At its core, The Chair is designed to mimic the real-world job-hunting process—but with an exciting and competitive twist that puts candidates to the ultimate test. Each episode begins by identifying a real job vacancy submitted by an employer or employment agency. We then shortlist four candidates for that specific position, carefully selected based on qualifications, experience, and compatibility with the job.

These four candidates—young South Africans who are either unemployed, underemployed, or seeking career change—then enter the competition to secure the job. They undergo rigorous interviews conducted by industry professionals and potential employers, all captured on camera for national broadcast. This transparent and public process allows viewers to witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs faced by job seekers every day.

After the initial interview round, two of the four candidates are eliminated, based on their performance, suitability, and the feedback from the interview panel. The remaining two finalists are then tasked with completing a practical task or industry-specific challenge—a real-world assignment designed to test their abilities, decision-making skills, and how they perform under pressure.

Ultimately, only one candidate will rise above the competition and take The Chair—securing not just a job, but a life-changing opportunity to start or advance their career in the field they studied for or are passionate about.

A Mission Rooted in Change

Unlike many traditional job search platforms and employment initiatives, The Chair goes beyond the CV. It humanizes the job-seeking process, highlights untapped talent across the country, and promotes active collaboration between job seekers and employers.

We recognize that South Africa’s employment crisis is multifaceted. It affects graduates fresh out of college, skilled tradespeople seeking a break, individuals who have studied yet never worked in their desired field, and even experienced professionals who have been retrenched. By creating a platform that highlights real job opportunities in real time, The Chair empowers individuals to rise above their circumstances and opens the door to economic inclusion.

Each week, the show features a new position in a different industry or sector—whether it’s finance, healthcare, engineering, hospitality, media, technology, construction, or retail—ensuring that the platform is as diverse as the talent it serves.

We are committed to recruiting across all industries and at all employment levels, from entry-level clerks and customer service agents to highly skilled specialists and middle management professionals. Our aim is to make employment accessible and merit-based, using The Chair as a catalyst to kickstart thousands of careers across South Africa.

Meet the Host: Mpho Monareng

At the helm of the show is our charismatic presenter, Mpho Monareng. Known for his dynamic presence, compassion, and passion for youth empowerment, Mpho guides the candidates through their journey with wisdom, encouragement, and insight.

Mpho brings a balance of professionalism and relatability to The Chair, ensuring that both the candidates and viewers feel seen, heard, and inspired. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life makes him the perfect ambassador for a show that’s all about transformation and opportunity.

Beyond the Screen

While The Chair is a television series, its impact extends far beyond the screen. By giving visibility to unemployed youth, showcasing employer expectations, and highlighting the strengths and gaps within the job market, the show serves as a learning tool for both candidates and employers alike.

Every episode educates the public about:

• How interviews are conducted in different industries

• The importance of soft skills, confidence, and communication

• What employers are really looking for beyond qualifications

• How candidates can improve their CVs, presentation, and problem-solving

In addition, The Chair creates a ripple effect of awareness and networking. Candidates who don’t win the job often receive new leads, mentorship, or are discovered by other employers who watch the show. It’s not just about finding one job per episode—it’s about unlocking potential at a national level.

Join the Movement: Submit Your CV

Are you a young South African between the ages of 18 and 35? Are you unemployed or struggling to break into your industry? Have you studied, trained, or gained experience in a particular sector but haven’t yet landed the opportunity you deserve?

If the answer is yes, then The Chair is for you.

This is your chance to step into the spotlight, prove your worth, and win a real job on national television. We are currently casting candidates for our upcoming episodes and we want to hear from you.