Youth Day 2022 Edition

16 JUNE 2022

YOUTH DAY

www.businessmediamags.co.za

Regenize

Shadia Akter

gold YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Tebza Diphehlo

Sera Farista

RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION Youth innovators, environmentalists, dancers, and change-makers making their voices heard around the world

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What’s in our fountain of youth?

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rban legend has it, that there is a mystical and magical spring reputed to have the power to restore health and vitality. A fountain that bears youthful life and vigor. Thus, hypothetically, our fountain of youth was nourished with the blood, sweat, and tears of the spirited youth of 1976. They valiantly fought against a gargantuan system of oppression and discrimination, subsequently paving the way for the youth of today. However, theirs was a tangible and pervasive “enemy” of economic and political oppression. Today our youth contend against a seemingly invisible and intangible “enemy”. That of unjust economic systems, inequality, and lack of access to information and resources.

Though we are living in and through the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), characterised by global digitisation and technology, many of our South African youth have to wade through the impenetrable waters of poverty and inequality.

The Covid-19 pandemic, further exacerbated South Africa’s plummeting literacy rates thus creating a duplicitous challenge for both adults and children alike.

However, our well of knowledge and fountain of youth has not dried up completely. Many of our youth have indeed displayed their fortitude and stubborn resilience against the tides of scant resources, impoverished communities, poor education, and inequality. There are many heartfelt anecdotes that have emerged from our disadvantaged townships that display the tenacity and brevity of our South African youth.

For more information on Afrika Tikkun’s initiatives, visit www.afrikatikkun.org

It is this narrative and discourse of hope and resilience that we as, Afrika Tikkun, endeavor to sow. We believe in practical and sustainable solutions that cater to our young, at every growth point in their lives. Our award-winning Cradle-to-Career model focuses on our young people from the ages of 3 to 35 years, and simultaneously delivers Social Support Services (SSS) to their families too.

Through our instrumental partnerships, we have been able to initiate various empowerment and outreach programmes in Alexandra, Braampark, Diepsloot, Orange Farm, and Mfuleni. Our Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme develops children in the areas of numeracy, literacy, and motor and social skills too. Our Digitisation programme accelerates the integration of digital tools into our educational programmes through our upcoming Learning Libraries - Digital Commons Project.

This project is a vehicle to carry our vision of expanding our learning libraries into digital common spaces.

Therefore, as we commemorate and reflect during this Youth month, we cast our attention to the recent launch of our Child and Youth Development (CYD) #UntoldStories Campaign. The campaign seeks to highlight the oft-bleak plight of many of our youth and the brutal conditions that they confront. However, despite the disparaging narratives, let us not forget to nourish the indelible roots that will uphold the youth of the future. Let us ensure that theirs is a fountain that will bear the fruits of our present efforts, sweat and labour.

EDI T ORI A L COMMEN T

RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION Published by:

PIcasso Headline, a proud division of Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Hillside Road), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 PO Box 12500, Mill Street, Cape Town, 8010 www.businessmediamags.co.za EDITORIAL Content Manager: Raina Julies rainaj@picasso.co.za Contributors: Denise Mhlanga, Thulani Mlangeni, Itumeleng Mogaki, Tiisetso Tlelima Copy Editor: Brenda Bryden Content Co-ordinator: Vanessa Payne Digital Editor: Stacey Visser vissers@businessmediamags.co.za DESIGN Head of Design: Jayne Macé-Ferguson Senior Designer: Mfundo Archie Ndzo Advert Designer: Bulelwa Sotashe Cover credit: Supplied SALES Project Manager: Jerome van der Merwe jeromev@picasso.co.za | +27 21 469 2485 +27 820 668 1496 Sales Consultant: Frank Simons PRODUCTION Production Editor: Shamiela Brenner Advertising Co-ordinator: Shamiela Brenner Subscriptions and Distribution: Fatima Dramat fatimad@picasso.co.za Printer: CTP Printers, Cape Town

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s we commemorate 46 years in 2022 of the 16 June uprising, we refl ect on the challenges our youth still face today. High unemployment numbers, exacerbated poverty levels, limited access to funding for entrepreneurial endeavours, and continued challenges accessing quality further-study programmes. These are just some of what plagues the youth today, but despite all this, we have seen great resilience and an innovative spirit among our youth. We showcase some of this spirit in this year’s issue of Youth and highlight the efforts of organisations working to support our youth and combat some of the challenges they face.

Raina Julies

Contents 5

POCKETS OF EXCELLENCE

Despite the myriad challenges faced, South African youth are making their mark on the global stage in nontraditional ways.

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DEVELOPMENT We look at some impactful youth organisations supporting youth entrepreneurship and social innovators within their communities.

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reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. Youth Day is published by Picasso Headline.

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher.

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TOURISM Is the labour-intensive tourism sector a good solution for South Africa’s burgeoning unemployed youth sector?

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: MENTORSHIP The Black Management Forum’s Student Chapter unpacks the impact the organisation is making in changing the profile and face of leadership in South Africa today.

MANAGEMENT Management Accountant: Deidre Musha Business Manager: Lodewyk van der Walt General Manager, Magazines: Jocelyne Bayer

COPYRIGHT: No portion of this magazine may be

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YOUTH

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A DV ER T ORI A L Absa

A FORCE FOR GOOD IN YOUTH

EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT Education and skills development are priority focus areas for Absa. They are the critical pillars that support our role in society and our aim to be an active force for good in everything we do

Youth undergoing skills training.

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e recognise that education and skills are key levers for enabling economic and social participation and inclusion, and that societies with high levels of educational attainment are likely to exhibit greater competitiveness.

We also recognise that education and skills play a critical role in increasing employment, alleviating poverty and reducing inequality. Youth development is crucial in encompassing a notion of shared value and in building stable and inclusive societies where businesses and people can thrive.

Taking a demand-led approach, we partner with leading specialists to empower and equip young people with the training and tools they need for employment and entrepreneurship.

Our initiatives are aimed at supporting the development of the youths’ technical, vocational, social and digital skills in line with the requirements of Africa’s key growth sectors.

THE CHALLENGES FACING AFRICAN YOUTH While Africa has the world’s youngest population, roughly one-third of Africans aged 15–35 years are unemployed. The African Development

EMPLOYABILITY IS STRONGLY INFLUENCED BY EDUCATION AND PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE, AND EMPLOYERS PREFER TO HIRE CANDIDATES WITH A HIGHER LEVEL OF EDUCATION AND PREVIOUS JOB EXPERIENCE. 2

Bank’s 2020 African Economic Outlook report, themed “Developing Africa’s Workforce for the Future”, reports that for the 10–12 million youth entering the workforce in Africa every year, only 3 million formal jobs are created.

Today, African youth face a confluence of challenges, including economic downturns, disruptions to education precipitated by the COVID-19 crisis, and persistent low employment rates. Unemployment is compounded by a mismatch between skills required within future-focused industries and educational capabilities.

In South Africa, specifically, our youth account for 51.6 per cent of the total number of employed people. In the first quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate of young people aged 15–34 years was 65.5 per cent, according to Stats SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey.

Unemployment is lower amongst graduates, but remains high at 32.6 per cent for the 15-24 age group and 22.4 per cent for the 25-34 age group, demonstrating that education is a key enabler in reducing unemployment.

Stats SA also reported a 4.6 percentage point increase in the rate of people not in employment, education or training (NEET) in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the first quarter of 2021.

Employability is strongly influenced by education and prior work experience, and employers prefer to hire candidates with a higher level of education and previous job experience. Given the lack of work experience of youth entering the job market, this further impacts their chances of sustainable employment.

MATCHING SKILLS TO OPPORTUNITIES Youth development and education are crucial, but complex. To add to the complexity, advancements in technology result in everchanging job markets and socioeconomic environments, meaning that educational institutions – and the educational landscape in general – need to stay alert and agile.

At the heart of what we do is match existing opportunities to available skills, facilitate access to existing opportunities, and expand employment opportunities.

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Absa A DV ER T ORI A L

facilitate access to existing opportunities, and expand employment opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy resulting in significant job losses; at the same time, some sectors of the economy continued to experience growth in the demand for skills. The cross-skilling initiative seeks to enable Absa clients to build “bridges to employment” for youth that are laid off from sectors that are shrinking, such as the hospitality and tourism sector, and move them into areas of high demand, including global business services.

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF TVET We also recognise the crucial role that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) plays in developing mid-level skills, preparing youth for employment or self-employment, and providing a platform for further study. It is a critical sector because it is flexible, offering occupational programmes tailored to demand, and often delivered in partnership with specialist organisations, businesses and research bodies.

As the world of work evolves, the TVET sector can reskill young people and open pathways to new opportunities, remaining responsive to the needs of industry to accelerate youth transitions into the world of work.

We have provided funding for TVET college students to be enrolled in the Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) General Repairer Programme (also referred to as the Assistant Handyperson programme). The programme aims to equip these young students to access entry-level general maintenance roles within the infrastructure maintenance industry. It is delivered through a partnership comprising public TVET colleges, a property industry association and property companies.

READYTOWORK Absa ReadytoWork is our fl agship education programme to help young people prepare for the world of work. ReadytoWork provides access to world-class learning content, empowering young people with the training and skills they need to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.

The Absa ReadytoWork app is the latest addition to the programme. Through the app, users can complete four modules that cover essential money, work, people and entrepreneurial skills; access a high-quality CV; search for jobs; and watch insightful webinars by industry experts and leaders.

FOCUSING ON THE DISABILITY SECTOR As an organisation that embraces diversity and inclusion, we believe in the right of all learners to access quality education. This commitment is an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for

Several young people who were part of Absa’s cross-skilling initiative, celebrate their graduation at Capability in KwaZulu-Natal.

Sustainable Development, which pledges that no child will be left behind.

It is thus important to focus on the educational participation of learners with disabilities, and Absa is committed to supporting disability-inclusive programmes.

The reality is that many learners with disabilities are still not in school or are not adequately supported.

To address the high unemployment rate among persons with disabilities, the National Institute for the Deaf (NID) offers accessible accredited occupational and artisan skills training and work placement services. Absa will support learners at the NID for the National Certificate End User Computing (NQF Level 3), enhancing access to quality tertiary education.

Through the Financial Services Consumer Education Foundation, Absa will also support a programme empowering the blind and partially sighted with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances efficiently.

economy as generalist software developers specialising in cybersecurity, mobile app development and cloud computing. The two-year programme is delivered in Gauteng through a dual-training approach, comprising practical face-to-face institutional learning and workplace-based learning.

BRINGING POSSIBILITIES TO LIFE Through these and other initiatives, we envision a society in which young people are prepared with the education, skills, and experience needed for the workplaces of the future, and have access to opportunities for gainful, long-term employment and self-employment.

To face tomorrow’s rapidly changing world, we have made a very clear strategic commitment to bolstering youth education, skills development and employability, ensuring young Africans can reimagine their futures and bring their possibilities to life.

A RAPIDLY CHANGING DIGITAL WORLD Our continent’s young people face a rapidly changing world. Advances in artificial intelligence, robotics and other emerging technologies are happening in ever-shorter cycles, changing the nature of the jobs and the skills needed to do them. Deepening knowledge and building skills for the next generation increasingly involves a focus on enhancing digital capabilities.

We have collaborated with WeThinkCode to fund training for 60 unemployed youth, opening pathways for them into the digital

➔ Scan this QR code to go directly to the Absa website.

For more information: www.absa.africa/herefortheready

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A DV ER T ORI A L OL D MU T UA L

Creating meaningful economic opportunities for youth Old Mutual invests in the country’s youth through skills development initiatives, with a special focus on fast-growing green economy.

learning aligned to the plumbing-hand skills requirements is carried out under the strict supervision of TVET Umfolozi and IOPSA. Thereafter participants receive six months of workplace training under the supervision of practising and qualified plumbers within a structured mentorship process. Importantly, the programme also focuses on critical aspects of social, personal and work-readiness components, including entrepreneurial training.

After successful accreditation, graduates are absorbed into employment with local plumbing businesses that are supported by the National Business Initiative’s Ilembe Small Business Hub. Through this work, Old Mutual Insure can further integrate viable suppliers into their short-term insurance value chain.

PROUD PARTNERS DOING IMPORTANT WORK

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s a responsible business, Old Mutual is deeply committed to addressing South Africa’s youth employment by creating inclusive economies. One of the ways we approach this challenge is through strategic partnerships that can develop industry-aligned skills to support the green economy.

INSTALLATION, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE TRADE SKILLS The Old Mutual Foundation and Old Mutual Insure partners with the National Business Initiative on the Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) initiative that aims to expand opportunities for job retention and job growth in IRM enterprises across a range of sectors in the South African economy. Through this initiative, participating Technical and Vocation Education

and Training (TVET) colleges are capacitated to deliver job-ready youth with Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)-registered trade skills and workplace experience.

GREEN SKILLS By investing in the Green Skills Plumbing Programme, we enable opportunities for 90 young women and men to gain accredited skills and workplace experience in the plumbing and solar water industry under the skilled guidance of TVET Umfolozi (KwaZulu-Natal) and the Institute of Plumbing SA (IOPSA).

The Green Skills Plumbing Programme is an integrated learning programme aligned to the entry level plumbing-hand role, which combines practical skills, work-readiness and workplace learning. The programme consists of two-parts: three months of institutional competency-based

WE ENABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR 90 YOUNG WOMEN AND MEN TO GAIN ACCREDITED SKILLS AND WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE IN THE PLUMBING AND SOLAR WATER INDUSTRY. 4

We are particularly excited about the holistic and important work being done to drive green skills development. We are equally proud of working alongside our participating partners to drive the economic inclusion of South Africa’s youth. Ensuring that youth gain access to meaningful economic opportunities is essential to reducing poverty and ensuring secure, stable societies.

For more information: Xhanti Mhlambiso xhantim@nbi.org.za Louise Jones ljones4@oldmutual.com

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PROF IL ES

POCKETS OF EXCELLENCE In these uncertain times, the youth continue to fly the South African flag high.

TIISETSO TLELIMA profiles young people making their mark in the world

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outh African youth face a myriad of challenges such as education inequality, lack of technology and high unemployment rates. But despite these challenges, young people are pulling themselves up by the bootstraps and making positive strides in the world. We take a look at three such young people.

Shadia Akter, 17-year-old matriculant Young scientist Shadia Akter was awarded a silver medal at the 2021 Buca International Music, Science, Engineering Energy Fair in Turkey for developing an app that helps schools screen large numbers of learners for COVID-19. She was competing against 166 projects from 26 countries. “It was an outstanding experience and so unexpected, I enjoyed myself even though it was online because of COVID,” says an enthusiastic Akter.

Akter came up with the idea to build the app when she realised that her school – New Orleans Secondary School in Paarl – which has a student population of about 1 000, took over an hour every morning before classes to screen learners for COVID-19. She sought to find a more Shadia Akter efficient way of screening students so that learners could still have enough education time. The app, which works through software called Honeycode, has a spreadsheet that allows teachers, parents and learners to capture information on a registration form and answer a COVID-19 questionnaire. Once learners have completed the questionnaire, the app tells them if they’re well enough to enter the school grounds.

Akter hopes to study towards a degree in the sciences one day. “I want to create things that improve South Africa and help my fellow people by making life easier,” she says.

Teboho “Tebza” Diphehlo 29-year-old Pantsula dancer, choreographer and teacher Teboho Diphehlo from Naledi, Soweto, started doing Pantsula dance as a young boy in primary school. In 2005, he enrolled for training for professsional dancing at a local dance organisation. Since then, he has been performing all over Tebza Diphehlo Soweto. In 2018, he won the RedBull Dance Your Style competition, which saw him represent South Africa on a global stage at the World Final held in Paris the following year. “I was so proud of myself because I got to promote Pantsula dance and culture and spread it to the world,” says Diphehlo.

Even though he didn’t win in Paris, the experience opened many doors for him. He now teaches Pantsula dance, both locally and to a host of international countries, including Sweden, France and Germany. “There’s a big international market for Pantsula dance with people coming from all over the world to learn the dance, but I mostly hold my classes online via Zoom,” explains Diphehlo.

“I WANT TO CREATE THINGS THAT IMPROVE SOUTH AFRICA AND HELP MY FELLOW PEOPLE BY MAKING LIFE EASIER.” – SHADIA AKTER

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

Sera Farista, 18-year-old intersectional environmental activist Sera Farista is a member of an intersectional youth-led organisation called The Collective Movement, which believes in achieving climate change through social justice. The movement aims to achieve this through education and using social media to make climate literacy more accessible to people. “My interest in climate justice began when I was doing research for a school project and realised how climate Sera Farista change was affecting South Africans and becoming a pressing issue for our generation,” explains Farista.

FAST FACT

The youth unemployment rate in South Africa was 66.5 per cent in the last quarter of 2021 and is expected to be 66.7 per cent at the end of the first quarter of 2022.

Source: www.tradingeconomics.com

OUT OF ALL THE ACTIONS AND PROTESTS THAT THE COLLECTIVE MOVEMENT HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN, BEING FEATURED ON AN EPISODE OF GENERATION CHANGE ON AL JAZEERA IS ONE OF ITS BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS. “I now identify as an intersectional activist because I realised that climate change interlinks with racism and gender-based violence, meaning that solutions to this problem must be intersectional.”

Out of all the actions and protests that The Collective Movement has been involved in, being featured on an episode of Generation Change on Al Jazeera is one of its biggest achievements – their message was spread to

over 100 different countries. However, Farista adds that even the small things like someone saying they learnt something new from the awareness campaigns is always an achievement.

But like any movement, they’ve had their fair share of challenges. Farista cites apathy and hypocrisy among politicians as something they have to push against. “We are constantly being ignored, but it’s important to keep fighting and never give up no matter how many times we get shot down,” says Farista.

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A DV ER T ORI A L CCB S A

THE URGENT NEED TO HARNESS

THE POWER OF YOUTH Youth have the drive, inventiveness and adaptability to power South Africa into the digital future – but only if they are given the opportunity and platform to do so, writes VELAPHI RATSHEFOLA, managing director, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa

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outh Africa faces the grim reality of slow economic growth and a concerning unemployment crisis. The most recent statistics from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) revealed that unemployment in the first quarter of 2022 retreated from the record high of 35.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2021, to 34.5 per cent. The youth unemployment rate remains alarmingly high – 63.9 per cent for youth aged 15–24 and 42.1 per cent for those between 25-35.

As the country is slowly emerging from the devastating impact of COVID-19, the economy gained an estimated 370 000 jobs, but there are only around 10 million people out of a total labour force of about 22 million who are employed.

Tech companies and the arts have given the youth platforms to self-actualise and create livelihoods for themselves. But what about the millions of young people who can’t be on the popular social media platforms, but need a regular job to become productive members of society? Are we doing enough by them? Do we really understand the magnitude of the challenge and the resultant social conditions it manifests?

“Young people must remember that there are no closed doors, only doors waiting to be opened when the time is right; then everything will fall into place.”

– Lesegolame Ranaka

We define economic inclusion as the opening of gainful economic opportunities by providing access to markets and other economic activities leveraging our business and the entire value chain.

At CCBSA, we have adopted the three pillars of education, employability and entrepreneurship as a framework for our economic inclusion strategy. This strategy encompasses several initiatives such as

ECONOMIC INCLUSION STRATEGY The country needs a multisectoral approach to finding solutions to our current challenges. At Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), we believe in using our industry leadership to be part of the solution to achieve positive change in the world. This includes a strong emphasis on economic inclusion, particularly around the youth and women.

When we grow our business the right way, not just the easy way, we help create inclusive growth opportunities for our communities, women and youth, our customers, our employees and all our shareholders, for a better shared future.

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Annelisa Bojana

our Study Buddy Fund Bursaries, the Mintirho Foundation, which supports agri businesses, and our Bizniz-in-a-Box programme, which assists township and rural entrepreneurs to grow their small businesses.

So, as we commemorate Youth Month, let’s hear from some of the young people supported

by CCBSA.

EDUCATION Annelisa Bojana, Port Elizabeth I am studying for an LLB degree at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and I aspire to practise family law. Without the CCBSA bursary, this would not have been possible even though I passed Grade 12 with an average of more than 70 per cent.

The bursary has lifted a huge weight off my family’s shoulders. I can now focus on my studies without having to worry about whether or not my fees will be paid.

To young people hoping to study, but facing financial challenges, my advice is to persevere and apply for bursaries. Trusted and well-administered bursaries such as CCBSA’s Study Buddy do exist.

Many people recognise the struggles of young people and are willing to help. It is up to us to reach out and remain focused to use these opportunities to succeed.

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CCB S A A DV ER T ORI A L

Lesegolame Ranaka, Johannesburg The CCBSA Study Buddy Fund bursary has given me the opportunity to further my studies and become something in life. It has motivated me to work hard.

I am working toward becoming a computer scientist, not only because I love this field of study, but also to help increase the number of women computer scientists in our country. I believe it’s important to recraft the narrative about women not wanting to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I was told by my former school principal to apply for a bursary as she saw great potential in me and believed I have what it takes to succeed. That’s all it took, coupled with support from home, hard work and a sharp focus on what I want to achieve.

I come from Duduza on the East Rand and was raised by a single mother, so I know how it feels to battle financially, especially when you have dreams, and finance is the only thing holding you back. I am really grateful I have received this huge opportunity to study further.

Young people must remember that there are no closed doors, only doors waiting to be opened when the time is right; then everything will fall into place.

“We need to see more corporates diversifying their investment in initiatives that create sustainable opportunities for YOUTH.” – Silindokuhle Mahlangu

I believe we should include young people in the conversation and make them a part of the solution. They need to own their solutions and see corporates as partners and not just benefactors.

I want to learn and grow and never stop acquiring knowledge and equipping myself to help solve South Africa’s structural problems.

CCBSA gave me a vote of confidence when it employed me, and the opportunity to test my technical skills. When a senior opportunity came up and the company seconded me to the role, it gave me the opportunity to further develop as a leader and manager and to contribute to the growth of the organisation. This experience has been invaluable.

Goitseone Jonas

Goitseone Jonas, acting executive manager: Mintirho Foundation CCBSA bets on young people and gives them support to develop and succeed, including education and financial assistance. Young people want to solve their own problems and to do that they need the right tools. That can only happen through education (not just formal education, but any form of meaningful and targeted knowledge and skills transfer) such as small business capacity building in HR, IT, sales, finance, among others).

CCBSA’s programmes such as the Study Buddy Fund and Bizniz-in-a-Box speak directly to those imperatives.

EMPLOYABILITY Silindokuhle Mahlangu, management trainee: Communications CCBSA is committed to empowering women and youth and contributing to enhancing the quality of life of the people in the business and in our host communities.

The company has many career development opportunities, including the Management Trainee Programme, which I am privileged to be a part of, the Executive Assistant Programme, and learnerships, among others. There are also many young leaders in the business and young people are encouraged to work hard.

I believe that having financial stability in the country will solve most of our problems such as unemployment, inequality, and economic exclusion.

A blanket approach cannot be implemented to help young people and deal with the challenges they face. We need to see more corporates diversifying their investment in initiatives that create sustainable opportunities for the youth – be they helping to pay for their education, employing the youth in their organisations, integrating them into their supply chain, or helping them achieve their entrepreneurial aspirations and ensuring their businesses thrive. No one has ever succeeded on their own, it takes support from people that care.

I am proud to work for a company that has prioritised creating opportunities for young people through a wide range of initiatives.

I dream about helping to create a society that previous generations fought for, the country we were prepared for as the first generation of children growing up in a democratic country. My ambition is to prove that education is the key to success and to create local, sustainable solutions for ourselves.

At CCBSA, I have formed sustainable relationships with various stakeholders, stretched myself, increased my business knowledge, and am continuously acquiring knowledge and learning new skills.

Silindokuhle Mahlangu

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Roy Nohari of Nohari Farms CC Nohari Farms used to operate using old tractors and machinery. Our repair and maintenance costs were very high and we had a lot of downtime due to machinery breakdown.

Mintirho Foundation provided financial support – a grant and an interest-free loan – which helped us acquire new tractors, machinery, and irrigation equipment. This enabled us to produce more crops and we have since employed approximately 30 new staff.

The recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal affected us badly as our old dam washed away and our new dam was completely covered by soil. We were hit with a second flood on 21 May, which caused further damage. We will have to restore the damaged infrastructure and continue with farming operations.

What this has taught us is to be on the alert and prepared for natural disasters at all times. Do not rely totally on funds from your crops, saving is important, for your own survival and for your farming operations.

To have continuous food production and income, we must persevere and continue as the entire country depends on us for their food supply.

➔ Scan this QR code to go directly to the Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa website.

For more information: 011 848 2600 media@ccbagroup.com www.ccbsaco.com

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Pathways from

START *Estimated minimum amount of time required At college you will get both theoretical and practical training for a range of specific jobs or employment possibilities.

Possible route, but unlikely

Start thinking about the future! Find out what interests you. This will help you make decisions about what you want to do after school.

The National Certificate Vocational (NCV) is an alternative to matric and takes 3 full years to complete. It combines theory and practical experience to prepare you for work in a specific industry or occupational field.

START HERE

NATED (N1)

N2

The NATED qualification is aimed at learners who would like to enter the job market fairly quickly. Each qualification includes a mix of theory and workplace learning, which is linked to a specific trade OR focuses on business and services.

GO TO COLLEGE

Most likely route

3 - 6 Months*

Apprenticeships combine on-the-job-training with classroom instruction, so that you learn both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to practice a particular trade.

1 Year*

1 Year*

NC(V)2

NC(V)3

NC(V)4 If you have made it this far, congratulations!

Finishing high school opens up many options for your future.

GRADE 10

There are different passes in matric based on your marks.

Read more below in the 'Stay At School' section.

NQF4

NQF3

Level of Education

NQF3

NQF2

NQF2

NQF1

APPRENTICESHIPS/LEARNERSHIPS AND SKILLS PROGRAMMES

MATRIC

GRADE 11

Apprenticeships/learnerships help you develop skills for work in a specific occupation or sector of the economy while getting paid a minimum wage. They also provide the opportunity to gain subject credits that can serve as building blocks for further learning/qualifications.

Find out about the subjects and marks you need for the courses you want to study after school.

START AN APPRENTICESHIP

1 Year*

STAY AT SCHOOL

GRADE 9

N3

NQF4

Line Key

3 - 6 Months*

Acknowledgements This infographic was developed as part of the larger 2015 South African Child GaugeTM (www.ci.uct.ac.za), in a partnership between the Children’s Institute and the Poverty and Inequality Initiative at the University of Cape Town and Ikamva Youth. Significant contributions were also made by JobStarter.

STAY AT SCHOOL If you stay in school all the way to matric, you will qualify with a National Senior Certificate (NSC). However, if you don't make it - don’t give up!

Second Chance is a collection of pathways, instituted by the Department of Basic Education, through which those who have failed matric, or want to improve their results, can write Grade 12 examinations outside the regular schooling system.

If you've been out of school for more than three years you can qualify with a Senior Certificate (SC) through the programme. If you feel that you need to consider your options after leaving school visit www.jobstarter.org.za.

Remember that your Grade 11 marks are important - some universities use them for provisional acceptance. Always apply to more than one institution after school. This will improve your chances of getting into a course you want. If you get a higher certificate matric pass, you can do a higher certificate at TVET colleges and at some universities. This can be a stepping stone to further studies. It is the same as an NQF5.

Finding work with a Grade 9 is tough because most employers require a matric certificate.

There are various passes available to learners that write matric based on you marks. There's a bachelor's pass that allows entry into a university and a diploma that allows you into some universities and technical colleges. A higher certificate gets you into a Further Education and Training (FET) college. Those learners who failed can try matric again, go to a FET college or look for a job.

GO TO COLLEGE There are two routes into the college system: National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (Nated) and National Certificate Vocational (NCV).

THE NATED ROUTE Take this route if you would like to enter the job market fairly quickly. You can start N1 (NQF2) with just a Grade 9, but you should note that most Nated courses start at N4 (NQF5). To start at N4, you will need a matric certificate.

Being your own boss might sound great, but it is not for everyone. Your chances of success will be much better if you finish school, and get work experience and specific skills.

LOOK FOR WORK

There are different admission requirements for different colleges and courses. Make sure you know what they are.

N1 to N3 can be completed within 18 months and gives you the same NQF level as matric. Technically, you would be qualified to go to a traditional university, but most traditional universities give preference to students with a matric.

Your best option is to complete N4 to N6 over 18 months, and then spend another 18 months doing an internship to qualify for a diploma.

The Skills Education Training Authorities (SETAs) can provide you with financial support (through the TVET colleges) during the internship period.

To get this support, you will have to be very proactive in finding an internship yourself.

This qualification and practical experience will increase your chances of finding employment.

Visit www.education.gov.za/FurtherStudies/ FETColleges.aspx or go to your nearest TVET college to find out more.

NCV This is a good option if you don’t feel that school is the best option for you or if you left school before completing matric and still want to get a qualification that is on the same NQF level as a matric. But remember, it’s not necessarily easier than school!

The NCV route ends at NQF level 4. If you want a higher qualification, your best option is to choose the NATED route.

To move from NCV to NATED you need to have chosen your NCV subjects very carefully. Speak to your college about your best options. Getting into university will be hard because universities give preference to learners who have passed matric.

Remember to always make sure your course is accredited!

Visit www.education.gov.za/FurtherStudies/ FETColleges.aspx or go to your nearest TVET college to find out more.

school to work 3 - 6 Months*

18 Months*

18 Months*

N4 - N6

INTERNSHIP

DGMT is a public innovator committed to developing South Africa’s potential through strategic investment. Together with our partners we created this map to help learners, students and parents navigate through the daunting educational landscape of Grade 9 upwards. As you read the map, keep in mind that four out of every 10 learners who start school in Grade 1 will drop out before completing matric – this is likely to keep them stuck in poverty and unemployment for life. Our first priority must be to support children and young people who have access to opportunity to keep their hold on it and not drop out. From there, we must create a lattice of opportunities that builds a sense of real and imminent possibility for young people. In a country with enormous structural constraint, keeping young people’s hope and aspiration alive is not a nice-to-have, and we cannot expect them to navigate their way without help. Read more about DGMT’s approaches to ensure that every young person get their first decent job at www.dgmt.co.za.

DIPLOMA

3 to 5 Years* ARTISAN

ive

rs i t

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wn

iv i D y u n e s i t h i ya

it

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS

BECOME AN APPRENTICE If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, first speak to qualified artisans and, where possible, visit their places of work to see if this is the type of work you would like to do.

You need a Grade 9 plus a NATED N2 certificate, matric, or an NCV3 to start an apprenticeship. The preferred and most efficient route is through the NATED qualifications offered by TVET colleges.

A formal apprenticeship works by entering into a contract (normally three to four years) with a company to learn the skills of a trade.

You are paid a monthly salary and undertake practical training following a prescribed training plan. You need to complete your studies at a TVET college and obtain a minimum of 18 months’ workplace experience under the supervision of a coach.

You also need to keep a logbook to record your hours of work experience.

When you have completed your training and have enough work experience, you can take a trade test and qualify as an artisan.

If you have lots of practical experience in a particular trade, but are not registered as an apprentice, then you will need to provide proof of your prior learning before you can

DEGREE

+

HONOURS

1 - 2 Years*

+

3 - 5 Years*

DOCTORATE

MASTER’S

You can do a higher certificate if you got a higher certificate matric pass. Keep in mind that this is only offered by some universities.

write the trade test. You must have an N2 trade-related subject from a TVET college, and at least five years’ proven and relevant work experience.

THE UNIVERSITY ROUTE Get familiar with the types of universities and how they structure their courses: - Traditional universities (e.g. University of Cape Town) - Universities of technology (e.g. Cape Peninsula University of Technology) - Comprehensive universities (e.g. University of Johannesburg).

Many courses are long and expensive, which will have significant financial and personal implications for you and your family. You can find out more about financial support in the grey column.

APPRENTICESHIPS/ LEARNERSHIPS AND SKILLS PROGRAMMES Learnerships comprise theoretical and on-the-job training and can usually be completed within 12-18 months.

For more career information visit www.jobstarter.org.za

Volunteering is a great way to get work experience and build your CV.

You will enter into a fixed-term employment contract with a company while studying for a qualification registered on the NQF. Entry requirements vary, e.g. some might require matric and/or specific subjects like maths/computer literacy.

Starting a learnership is not easy. You first need to find a company that will employ you and provide you with workplace experience.

LOOK FOR WORK Things to consider when looking for work: • Learn how to write a great CV and cover letter, and how to do well in interviews.

• The move from being a learner/student to being an employee involves a big change. You will need to learn about the work environment so you can do well there and grow your employability skills.

Go to www.jobstarter.org.za for help with the above.

NQF10

NQF9

NQF8

NQF6

NQF5

VOLUNTEER

NQF7

NQF6

NQF5

GET WORK EXPERIENCE

1 Year*

si te

DIPLOMA

+

U n i v er

1 Year*

3 Years*

a

Higher Certificate

+

ap eK

GO TO UNIVERSITY

2 Years*

s

SECOND CHANCE MATRIC

Universities conduct scientific and academic research and offer higher learning courses that lead to degrees. It is also the only route to certain occupations/qualifications (e.g. being a doctor or a lawyer).

va

aaps tad nK

Un

TRADE TEST

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS

FUNDING YOUR STUDIES

Besides needing financial support, you might also need academic and emotional support to start your own business.

Bursaries or loans can help to fund your studies. Bursaries are given to you based on your marks and your financial need. Loans, however, need to be paid back to the institution once you start working.

Find out what support is offered to entrepreneurs in your area.

You could also find a mentor. This person should be able to give you relevant advice and encouragement when you need it.

Additionally, you could join a business network or forum to get connected to other entrepreneurs and business owners.

VOLUNTEER You could contact non-profit organisations/ small businesses in your area to see if they would allow you to volunteer. Be clear on what you can offer (i.e. your strengths) and what you would like to learn from the experience. Remember that most volunteer opportunities are unpaid, but some may cover your food and transport costs.

Note that bursaries and loans do not cover application and registration fees. Find out what these fees are way in advance so that you can start saving.

Also remember that if you get a government bursary or loan, you will need to reapply every year to prove that you still need the support.

There are various bursaries and loans available at www.jobstarter.org.za Remember to always check the terms and conditions first!

WORKING TO

SUPPORT THE YOUTH DENISE MHLANGA looks at some impactful youth organisations supporting youth entrepreneurship and social innovators within their communities

EVEXIA PSYCHIATRIC DAY HOSPITAL ADOLESCENT PROGRAMME This Pretoria-based hospital was established in 2015, and its adolescent programme offers optimal mental healthcare to the youth through holistic mental and physical health interventions.

Kgomotso Mangolela, social worker and programme manager, says the programme exists to help young people navigate everyday challenges. During the 10-day programme, young people work with psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, dieticians, social workers, and professional nurses to assist them in dealing with their mental health challenges.

“The programme is a safe group space, enabling young people to work through their past experiences and equip them with new skills to cope outside of the programme,” says Mangolela.

She says young people with mental health issues learn communication, boundary-setting, time management, self-care, and conflict management skills during the programme, thus equipping them to cope.

“Young people who’ve been through the programme come out with a better understanding of their behaviours, and gain a sense of independence and increased self-awareness.”

Mangolela says there is a stigma surrounding mental illness, but this can be overcome through awareness campaigns and encouraging young people to seek help and talk about their mental challenges.

“Investing in your mental health at a young age will allow you to lead a fulfilling life as an adult,” concludes Mangolela.

SOUTH AFRICAN BREWERIES FOUNDATION Established in 2010, the South African Breweries (SAB) Foundation provides funding for small, medium, and micro enterprises.

Its primary beneficiaries are women, youth, people living with disabilities, and people living in rural areas, from low-income backgrounds.

Itumeleng Dhlamini, SAB Foundation social innovation specialist, says the company has invested over R425-million in social innovators and entrepreneurs through grant

THE ADOLESCENT PROGRAMME CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS: • Psycho-education group facilitated by a psychiatrist.

• Wellness and life skills groups facilitated by occupational therapists, social workers and dieticians.

• Psychiatric evaluation by a psychiatrist.

• Psychotherapy groups facilitated by a psychologist.

• The multidisciplinary team collaborates throughout the treatment/intervention process so that we can offer the adolescent the best holistic care.

• At the end of each week at Evexia, one or more of the following options will be recommended for the adolescent: • Re-admission to Evexia for an additional week; • Additional referral; • Continuation of parent support groups; • Family therapy; and • Parents and/or caregivers referred for therapy if needed.

funding, business development support and interest-free loans.

Some 2 843 rural micro enterprises, 173 social innovators, and 996 entrepreneurs have been supported with 94 per cent of these businesses still in operation.

“Our programmes are designed to holistically develop sustainable entrepreneurship skills for our participants with a key focus on critical thinking and long-term business mentorship,” says Dhlamini.

“THECOMPANY COMPANYHAS HASINVESTED INVESTEDOVER OVERR425-MILLION R425-MILLIONININSOCIAL SOCIALINNOVATORS INNOVATORSAND “THE AND ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH GRANT FUNDING, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH GRANT FUNDING, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT AND SUPPORT AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS.” – ITUMELENG DHLAMINI INTEREST-FREE LOANS.” – ITUMELENG DHLAMINI

The foundation has several enterprise programmes, including the flagship Tholoana Enterprise Programme, which supports rural businesses and businesses outside of major supply chains. Of these businesses, 49 per cent of beneficiaries are youth entrepreneurs, 48 per cent are women, and 3 per cent are people living with disabilities.

SocioNext is a five-day acceleration workshop in peri-urban and rural areas targeting the unemployed, of which 63 per cent are young people. Other initiatives include the Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment awards, The SAB Foundation Social Innovation Fund and the Universities Student Seed Fund, which is open to past and current university students.

Dhlamini says the biggest challenge remains long-term income solutions for the youth and people living with disabilities, adding that there is a huge need to grow sustainable businesses.

Regenize was awarded R1.3-million in the 2019 SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment awards.

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Itumeleng Dhlamini

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DE V EL OPMEN T YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (YES) The Youth Employment Service (YES), a business-driven initiative, was founded just over three years ago to address high unemployment.

The organisation partners with government and labour to create work experiences for youth at scale. Businesses that partner with YES can increase their Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBBEE) scorecard ratings.

“Our young people are more than future customers for businesses and the future tax base on which our economy will stand,” says Leanne Emery Hunter, chief marketing officer of YES. YES has worked with nearly 2 000 South African companies to create more than 78 872 work experiences for young people.

Empowering peer youth leaders to become positive role models.

gold YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

IMAGES: SUPPLIED,

Established in 2004, the gold Youth Development Agency champions youth-led change through a peer education model in secondary schools in five African countries.

The organisation has reached around 90 000 young people in over 120 communities, trained 27 529 gold peer educators (teenage leaders) and facilitated 1 894 job placements, among other achievements.

“Youth are the solution to their problems, and it is time we start to recognise their potential and harness that to find solutions to changing the status quo,” says Fiona Milligan,

This has seen nearly R4.4-billion injected into communities and the economy through youth salaries.

During the 12-month programme, the youth are given smartphones with applications that deliver digital, work-readiness and soft skills training.

The apps also track the youths’ socioemotional shifts during their YES year.

On completion, young people get CVs, a reference letter and a completion certificate as evidence of work experience for future employers. Yes’s own research has shown that experience on a CV triples the chance of a callback in the first three months of a job search.

Leanne Emery

communications and content specialist at gold Youth Development Agency.

She says through various intensive youth training and mentorship programmes coupled with full-time youth facilitators at schools, between 2018 and 2021, there has been a 32 per cent increase in school performance and commitment to education.

A number of children and the youth have shown positive character attributes with over 50 per cent increase in work readiness and employability.

Peer education is an effective methodology to achieve positive youth and community change that is ground-up and youth-led. “Our experience confirms that young people change when others around them change, this has been demonstrated and lived out within the peer groups and carried through to the community context.”

MeMeZa Ikasi Secure project

E SQUARED SOCIAL ENTERPRISE E Squared Social Enterprise provides funding to organisations focused on youth employment and entrepreneurship.

Its MeMeZa Ikasi Secure project addresses a very pressing need for technology-empowered safety and security at household level, says Megan de Villiers, E Squared Investments lead communications specialist.

“The company has deployed R351.2-million in financial and nonfinancial support to various enterprises and entrepreneurial individuals and created almost 14 000 jobs.”

MeMeZa empowers the most vulnerable communities with tangible safety technology, linked directly with community policing forums, the community and the South African Police Services. Through this project, a 67 per cent reduction in sexual offences in Diepsloot has been reported, and 1 045 youth have been trained, among other successes.

Nine young people were chosen for the current 18-month business skills programme, and have access to sell the Casi Mobile Panic App and the MeMeZa Community Alarm System as part of their businesses.

“The MeMeZa Ikasi Secure project not only empowers young people to create sustainable businesses, but also helps create safer communities,” she says, adding that this is a positive step towards addressing crime in townships like Diepsloot.

FAST FACT

Youth Month 2022 is celebrated under the theme: “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: Growing youth employment for an inclusive and transformed society.”

Source: https://www.gov.za/YouthDay2022

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

In 2021, Sage South Africa implemented Sage Pathways, a support, development, training and recruitment programme designed to help people with disabilities get into or return to work.

To launch the programme, Faith Ramusetheli, transformation director for Sage Africa and Middle East, says they hosted virtual work-readiness sessions such as interview tips, assessment centre skills, personal branding and returning to work with confidence.

“We work closely with specialist recruitment organisations and the Sage Foundation charity partners to specifically target people living with disabilities.”

She says a second event will be held in June for young people aged 18–35.

Sage has recruited 13 interns living with disabilities to its customer services and finance operations.

“Importantly, we have created increased awareness in our workplace about the barriers people living with disabilities face at work, as well as creating an environment where colleagues with disabilities know they are valued and supported.”

Ramusetheli says an estimated 7.5 per cent of the population live with a disability, and less than 1 per cent of these people are employed, adding that there is poor representation of disabled people in the workplace.

“We aim to be an inclusive organisation, hence we are committed to supporting and investing in the lives and careers of young people with disabilities.”

IMAGE: SUPPLIED

SAGE PATHWAYS

“We aim to be an inclusive organisation, hence we are committed to supporting and investing in the lives and careers of young people with disabilities.” – Faith Ramusetheli Faith Ramusetheli

Y O U T H D AY

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Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) honours the youth of 1976 who sacrificed for equal education in a democratic South Africa.

We honour the youth of today, conscience of society, drivers of change.

CRET is committed to enabling young people to fulfil their potential and contribute to the well-being of society.

CRET, a Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation partner entity, implements a holistic bursary support and youth development programme. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are supported for higher education study and vocational training.

The support is based on the potential of candidates and not just on academic performance. CRET believes all young people should be supported to fulfill their potential.

In partnership with individual and corporate sponsors, CRET’s offering includes: • financial support, including a personal allowance; • academic support that includes tuition, accommodation, books and stationery; • mentorship and psychosocial support; and • career guidance, work-readiness development, including driver training, and work experience opportunities.

CRET Support Goes Beyond the Bursary The drop-out rate in South Africa is high and support needs to go beyond the bursary to cater for the overall wellbeing of students – especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on education and young people.

Psychosocial support

Work readiness

CRET provides students and their families with psychosocial support. It conducted a survey as part of this offering to better understand the mental health challenges its students may experience. Of 51 respondents, between 74% and 98% said they’d benefit from discussions about tiredness, anxiety, depression and mood disorders. All the students surveyed said they’d benefit from discussions about stress management.

Education is believed to be significant in interrupting the cycle of poverty and reducing inequality of opportunity and income. However, access to quality education does not guarantee employment, because job opportunities in a challenged economy are limited. Many young people are unable to find work.

Holistic student support is vital to ensure the successful completion of studies and the return on investment by bursary supporting companies and individuals.

CRET’s offerings help enhance the employability of students. It provides career guidance, workexperience opportunities in partnership with private sector companies, and work-readiness development like CV preparation and Code 8 licenced driver training.

Join with CRET in investing in the future.

Send forth skilled and talented visionaries into the world; eradicate youth unemployment; break the cycle of generational poverty; build a culture of paying it forward; change the futures of individuals, communities and the nation.

A partner entity of

www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org @Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation @CyrilFoundation info@cyrilramaphosa.org 011 592 6580

A DV ER T ORI A L F UNDA WA NDE

MISSED OPPORTUNITY? The Presidential Youth Employment Initiative: are we missing a rare opportunity to tackle the dual crises of youth unemployment and low learner outcomes? NWABISA MAKALUZA and SIPUMELELE LUCWABA pose the question

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he pandemic has taken much from us, with the youth being one of the hardest-hit groups. The unemployment rate for most of this period has been around 64 per cent for youth between the ages of 18 and 24.

The Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) was launched as a response to the youth’s ongoing battle with socioeconomic factors, further exacerbated by the pandemic.

Although the PYEI was formed as a result of pandemic-related socioeconomic losses, an intervention of this kind was long overdue.

Right place, wrong time The largest portion of the stimulus package was the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), rolled out by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Here, more than 300 000 job opportunities were distributed across schools nationwide for the period December 2020–April 2021 (Phase 1) and another cohort of 300 000 job opportunities was created between October 2021 and February 2022 (Phase 2).

The rapid roll out of the initiative meant that the programme’s administrators had to build the proverbial aeroplane while flying it. Naturally, some teething issues would arise. Late payments and confusion among schools on the roles of the educator assistants and general school assistants were all symptoms of a lack of preparedness.

Moreover, although the initiative was conceptualised for the youth to gain meaningful employment experience, the timing of the implementation (mostly during school holidays)

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meant that the initiative could do little more than serve as a grant to its recipients. Though much-needed, this would serve only to shortchange the schools in which they were placed, and, most importantly, the youth themselves.

EMPLOYING YOUTH IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR HAS GREAT POTENTIAL African youth have always been at the forefront of radical change. Historically, young people were the pioneers of political emancipation.

In recent times, young people have taken up leadership roles in not only a vast array of social justice issues, but also various industries and sectors. In this instance, the youth – through the PYEI-BEEI – have the potential to serve as an important catalyst for change in the basic education sector.

Funda Wande believes that it is possible to harness the passion and existing skills of young people to move towards a system that provides learners with a better chance of accessing quality education. Lessons from the Funda Wande Teaching Assistant Intervention in Limpopo, which achieved an additional 110 per cent of a year of learning, are beginning to provide a clearer understanding of the critical levers for hiring youth to improve early learning outcomes. These levers are the rigorous recruitment and selection of youth; the provision of high-quality learner and teacher support material; training that is both comprehensive and aligned to the materials provided; and continuous monitoring and support.

Realistically, the adoption of these components takes time, and the size of impact

at scale is likely to be closer to the national early literacy trend of 12.5–20 per cent of a year of learning. However, if done correctly, this labourintensive intervention will not only assist with the professional development of youth, but can also form a part of an intentional COVID-19 learning losses recovery programme.

Given projected teacher retirements and subsequent shortages in the next 10 years, the potential for youth to make a positive impact in the sector is even more compelling and urgent than ever before.

How the DBE responds to the current obstacles and how they take advantage of the opportunities will test the true potential of the programme.

Encouragingly, Phase 3 of the PYEI extended the employment of 270 000 youth hired in Phase 2 until October 2022. This time, the DBE has an opportunity to tackle the dual crisis of youth unemployment and low learning outcomes.

➔ Scan this QR code to go directly to the Funda Wande website.

For more information: 021 180 4646 info@fundawande.org www.fundawande.org

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YOUTH WANTED! ITUMELENG MOGAKI investigates if a labour-intensive tourism sector is the answer to SA’s burgeoning unemployed youth

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he number of people employed in tourism in South Africa in 2019 was close to 2.88 million, according to Statisa. National chairperson of FEDHASA Rosemary Anderson says the hospitality industry must surely be one of the few industries that by its very nature enjoys employing young people and provides on-the-job training. “This is what is so valuable about our labour-intensive industry; employing youth and providing on-the-job training is the norm for us,” she says.

Anderson says one of the vital industry skills not being taught enough is the basics of what makes a great employee in the industry and what it takes to rise through the ranks.

“These are soft skills, but no one seems to be accentuating these vital attributes – a sound work ethic, honesty and integrity, enthusiasm in dealing with guests, proactively looking to improve guest experience, and the recognition that you are in a service industry and are there to serve at the guests’ pleasure,” she explains.

“There is not a shortage in trying to find highly technical skills, but there is a shortage in trying to find people with the soft attributes mentioned above, which is what they need for our industry to make our country a really wonderful place to visit,” she says.

Anderson notes that the tourism and hospitality industry is not employing the number of youth it could be employing due to red tape and bottlenecks in government

IMAGE: ISTOCK.COM

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T OURISM

departments, which do the opposite of job creation or attracting tourism to South Africa.

“Currently, our industry is employing as many young people as we possibly can, while still keeping our businesses financially viable.

The youth are the employees we want, but for us to hire more, government must do what they need to do to facilitate so that we can do more training and hiring,” says Anderson.

FRESH BLOOD NEEDED SATSA vice chair Rob Hetem says what is attractive for the sector is that there’s a lower barrier to entry. “I say this with qualifications, you don’t really need high-level education to get into the industry. You need an ambitious spirit, passion and flair, and experience that can be learned from mentors in the workplace.”

He says the industry needs to review and understand the capacity of tourism to provide immediate solutions for unemployment because of this lower barrier to entry. “I am not talking about high-end jobs, but rather getting young people directly into the economy through training and development, and we have those resources now.”

He says SATSA has been engaging with tertiary institutions and schools to put the flair and “sexy” back into tourism and encourage youth and scholars to look at tourism as a career opportunity.

“If people believe tourism has something in it for them, they will safeguard that as

“THE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO REVIEW AND UNDERSTAND THE CAPACITY OF TOURISM TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BECAUSE OF THIS LOWER BARRIER TO ENTRY.” – ROB HETEM

“THIS IS WHAT IS SO VALUABLE ABOUT OUR LABOUR-INTENSIVE INDUSTRY; EMPLOYING YOUTH AND PROVIDING ON-THE-JOB TRAINING IS THE NORM FOR US.” – ROSEMARY ANDERSON a legacy. We need to deal with matters of earnings, poverty, and crime, but that will take addressing some of these structural inequalities and ideologies – that starts at the school education level.

“We need to grow the pie, that is, increase the number of legitimate tourists, increase the spend, create space in the industry for new players, innovation, development, and new products,” explains Hetem. “That comes down to a well thought-out tourism marketing strategy that is efficient and effective.

“There’s a passive understanding that as an industry, we need to ensure the sustainability of its future to survive; that means we need to look at new and innovative ways of bringing in fresh blood to enthuse and energise the industry.”

TOP FIVE TOURISM CAREERS IN SOUTH AFRICA • • • • •

travel agent tour operator tourism administrator guest relations officer front desk operator.

Source: https://www.iqacademy.ac.za/ top-5-tourism-careers-in-south-africa/

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T HOUGH T L E A DERSHIP: MEN T ORSHIP

CHANGING THE FACE

OF LEADERSHIP The work of the Black Management Forum’s Student Chapter within South African universities and beyond. By THULANI MLANGENI, Student Chapter national chairperson

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MILESTONES 2010–2019 Recent milestones reached in the chapter’s historical timeline include: • Transformation seminar in 2010.

• Cultural acceptance, overcoming xenophobia and improving economic opportunities between South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland in 2011.

• Creating a mandate for the next generation.

• Handover of the house built under the leadership of Mohau Mokoena and Nhlanhla Simelane for xenophobic victims in 2012.

• Maduke Lot Ndlovu Legacy Trust Bursary in 2015.

• Policy position on higher education transformation, endorsed in

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THE BMFSC HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A UNIQUE THINK-TANK, OPERATING APOLITICALLY IN A POLITICAL SPACE

Thulani Mlangeni

2015/16, led by Nomsa Phungula and Leswene Masekoameng.

• Inaugural Higher Education conference and Massmart Research in 2017 under the leadership of Melcome Mahlathini and Sibahle Mbele.

• Motsepe Foundation Bursary and Student Chapter Booklet in 2018/19, led by Nicolus Lekala and Thalente Ndebele.

TRANSFORMATION South Africa has been undergoing a process of reformation and transformation since the end of minority rule (apartheid) in 1994.

During this time, the BMFSC realised that South Africa’s future cannot be left only to politicians to determine. It is against this backdrop that the chapter advocates for constructing a black-friendly environment, socioeconomic transformation, and conducive space to enable growth in all corners of the country’s society. With unemployment at an all-time high, increased costs of living, poor governance, misuse of public funds, high

THE STUDENT CHAPTER HAS PRODUCED LEADERS FOR THE CORPORATE WORLD, POLITICAL MOVEMENTS, CIVIL SOCIETY AND STRATEGIC BODIES.

crime rates, the scourge of corruption, reversal of transformational policies, and subsequent sociopolitical sporadic unrest and social ills such as gender-based violence, student movements can not afford to be silent and passive.

The student chapter has also exhaustingly engaged around the need to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policymakers. In addition, it has taken its members into its care through entrepreneurial programmes, personal development programmes and community outreach work.

Partnerships with stakeholders have been of great benefit to members. Support comes from Allan Gray, which funds a financial literacy programme, and Old Mutual, which funds a work-readiness programme.

WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE? The July unrest last year should be a wake-up call to the country at large providing the best opportunity to confront the issues of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. It’s time South Africa, as a matter of urgency, thinks and converses anew and honestly about the stark inequalities, economic structure, and socioeconomic transformation to avoid more civil upheaval. The country also needs to reignite citizen involvement and conscientise them to take responsibility for shaping the country.

In light of discarding transformational policies and laws, mechanisms to wrestle with unintended consequences must be developed. Educational institutions seem to be producing graduates that are not what industry is wanting in terms of global market skills demands. Realigning a relationship between academic institutions and industries towards a common goal is much needed to meet each other’s needs.

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he Black Management Forum (BMF) scholar’s wing, termed the BMF Student Chapter (BMFSC), continues to play an active role in the affairs of students. For over 30 years, it has influenced policies within the student community through policy discussion documents, position papers and progressive programmes. Philosophically, an apple tree cannot eat its own apples, nor can it enjoy its shade; rather, it produces them for the benefit of others. Likewise, the student chapter has produced leaders for the corporate world, political movements, civil society and strategic bodies like institutions of higher learning councils, senates and student representative councils. Developing leaders for a healthy democracy and sustainable future has been at the centre of its mandate.

Over the years, the BMFSC has established itself as a unique think-tank, operating apolitically in a political space. The chapter gathers young, energetic and inspiring leaders from the length and breadth of South Africa, from different ideological orientations, political grounding, and civil society, to deliberate on the status quo, socioeconomic matters, and the future of the country. The BMFSC’s membership footprint extends throughout all provinces countrywide, with 26 universities and 26 TVETs affiliated. While a nonracial entity, members are primarily black students.

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WORLD FOOD DAY Theme: Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow

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