Cape Town, 13 February 2025

In a significant milestone for youth employment initiatives in South Africa, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, presented encouraging results from the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) during a key stakeholder event at Afrika Tikkun's Mfuleni Centre, in the Western Cape on 12 February 2025.

The third-quarter report demonstrates substantial progress in transitioning young South Africans from learning to earning through innovative public-private partnerships. The PYEI, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2020, has emerged as a cornerstone programme in addressing the country's youth unemployment challenge.

"The success we're seeing today is a direct result of strategic collaboration between government, private sector partners, and implementing organisations," stated Deputy Minister Mhlauli. "These partnerships are not just creating jobs; they're building sustainable pathways to meaningful employment for our youth."

Marian Claite, COO at leading youth development organisation, Afrika Tikkun Services said “Youth unemployment in South Africa is at a staggering level, with over 50% of young people out of work. The strides made by the PYEI demonstrate what is possible when we work together. This mission aligns deeply with our comprehensive and holistic Cradle-to-Career Programme at Afrika Tikkun, which culminates in our mandate to develop youth brimming with potential and equipped with the in-demand skills required by the labour market.”

The Jobs Boost programme, an initiative that is part of the PYEI, offers a powerful pathway to address youth unemployment while empowering businesses and boosting economic growth.  The programme goes beyond mere skills development, striving to place candidates into positions offering either a full-time contract (minimum 12 months) or permanent placement, with compensation at minimum wage or higher. This commitment ensures not only immediate economic empowerment but also a foundation for long-term career growth and financial stability.

For employers, the Job Boost programme presents a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference while enhancing their business objectives. Partnering with us offers a multitude of compelling benefits:

• Access to a Pre-Trained Talent Pool: Skip the costly and time-consuming process of initial recruitment and training. Our candidates arrive equipped with the foundational (soft and hard) skills and knowledge required to excel in a variety of roles.

• Drive B-BBEE Transformation: Contributing to youth employment is a powerful way to advance your organisation's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) goals. By partnering with Job Boost, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to transformation and social responsibility.

• Boost Productivity and Innovation: Inject fresh perspectives and enthusiastic talent into your workforce. Our candidates are eager to learn, grow and contribute to your company's success.

• Enhance Your Corporate Reputation: Align your brand with a programme that actively addresses a critical social challenge. Showcase your commitment to youth development and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable South Africa.

“The presentation of these results at our Mfuleni Centre underscores the impact of grassroots implementation partners like us in achieving national employment objectives. We are proud to partner with organisations driving tangible change and are positioned to provide the crucial link between policy and practice, ensuring that government initiatives translate into real opportunities for young people,” added Claite

Celebrating a 30-year legacy of creating holistic development and sustainable impact, Afrika Tikkun is tackling South Africa’s (SA’s) socio-economic disparities head-on and fostering an equitable society.

“Through strategic partnerships that leverage each sector's strengths, we are not just creating jobs – we are building a foundation for sustainable economic growth and social transformation. As we continue to expand these collaborative efforts, each success story represents not just an individual gaining employment, but a step toward realising our shared vision of an economically empowered and prosperous nation. Together, we are proving that partnerships are not just an option in addressing youth unemployment – they are the key to unlocking our country's full potential,” concluded Claite.

For more information about partnering with Afrika Tikkun, www.afrikatikkun.com or the Jobs Boost programme, contact:

Melise Carelse (Lead Recruitment Specialist): (011) 325-6123 | 081 508-2926

Veronique Appels (Head of Project Management Office): (011) 325-6123 | 079 051-4086