By Jimmy Zwane
Launched in 2018, the Youth Employment Service (YES) has become a vital tool in South Africa’s fight against youth unemployment. Many young people leave school, university, or college with qualifications but struggle to find work due to a lack of experience. The YES programme was created to bridge this gap, providing young South Africans with real-world work opportunities and skills development.
Five years on, the impact is clear:
- Over 100,000 young people, aged 18 to 29, have been placed in one-year work experiences with local businesses.
- Approximately R6 billionhas been paid in youth salaries through the programme, allowing many participants to support their families and invest in their futures.
A Government-Backed, Private Sector Partnership
YES is part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, a broader initiative aimed at transitioning youth from learning to earning. One key tool in this effort is SAYouth.mobi, a zero-rated platform that connects young people to work and learning opportunities. Over 4 million users have already registered, with many YES participants recruited via the platform.
Importantly, around 61% of YES participants come from households dependent on social grants, making the programme a lifeline for many. For instance, one participant who worked at Mercedes-Benz used her earnings not only to support her family but to start a broiler chicken business.
Future-Facing Skills and Jobs
YES also focuses on equipping youth for the industries of the future, placing them in sectors such as:
- Information Technology
- Software engineering
- The green economy
- Application development
Some are trained at YES-operated hubs across the country. These include facilities that offer training in drone technology, IT, aquaponics, culinary skills, textile manufacturing, ceramics, and automotive work.
One standout success story is a YES graduate from the Drone Academy in Alexandra, Gauteng. After his training, he secured a role as a systems integration engineer at a top chip manufacturing firm in the Netherlands.
Proven Impact
According to YES data, 40% of participants secure employment after completing the programme. A graduate from the 2021 intake, for example, went from a Multichoice learnership to landing a permanent role at a global company in Gauteng.
In 2025 alone, YES has already created a record 32,400 jobs. More than 1,400 businesses currently participate, with efforts underway to expand that number further.
Benefits for Employers
YES isn’t just beneficial for young people—it also adds value to businesses. Companies that join the programme can improve their Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status. Additionally, the Employment Tax Incentive helps reduce the cost of hiring young workers.
Government continues to provide the legislative and regulatory support needed to encourage private sector participation, recognising that sustainable job creation must involve all sectors of society.
A Call to Action
As YES celebrates placing over 100,000 youth in meaningful work, we commend the programme and its partners. But the work isn’t done. We urge more companies to join this transformative initiative and help build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
