President Ramaphosa launched the Youth Employment Service,

Empowering South Africa's Youth through YES and Lula Way: A Path to Employment

In March last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment in South Africa. With the goal of creating one million internship opportunities for young people over three years, the program aims to empower the youth and help them gain the necessary skills to enter the workforce.

In line with this vision, two organizations, RaceCorp and Lula Way, have joined forces to make the YES program more accessible for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This collaboration promises to accelerate the placement of young people into internships and, ultimately, into permanent jobs.

What is Lulaway?

Lula Way, an organization with over nine years of experience, has been a vital player in the youth employment space. It has successfully placed over 55,000 young people into private-sector jobs, primarily through its job centers. These centers serve as platforms where young people can be screened, profiled, and matched with job opportunities. Lula Way’s powerful platform complements its physical job centers, ensuring that young people are well-prepared for the work environment.

As the Chairman of Lula Way, Ndumile Mkhasana, explains, the organization’s goal is to help young people find employment by creating profiles that make it easier for businesses to identify suitable candidates. These efforts aim to provide young South Africans with the support they need to transition from education to employment.

YES Today: Making Youth Employment a Reality for SMEs

While the YES initiative traditionally targets larger corporations, the collaboration between Lula Way and RaceCorp is focusing on increasing youth employment opportunities within SMEs. RaceCorp, known for its work as a small business incubator, has an extensive database of small businesses eager to participate in the YES program. These businesses are now able to access skilled interns and benefit from the program’s support in subsidizing youth employment costs.

The partnership aims to place young people not only in large corporates but also in the small business sector, which plays a crucial role in South Africa’s economy. Small businesses often struggle to provide employment due to financial constraints, but with the help of the YES program, they can afford to hire and train young talent, thus contributing to the country’s economic growth.

The Benefits of YES for Small Businesses

Small businesses can benefit from the YES program in various ways. Not only do they gain access to a pool of talented, young individuals, but they also receive financial support through the subsidy provided for youth employment. This creates a win-win situation: businesses get the talent they need, while young people gain the experience that will enhance their future employability.

Ndumile Mkhasana emphasized the importance of internships and work experience in enhancing the employability of young people. According to research, 80% of individuals who complete a year-long internship are more likely to secure permanent positions. This is especially true for young people who have had little or no exposure to the working world, as internships provide them with crucial social and professional skills.

Addressing South Africa’s Youth Unemployment Crisis

One of the biggest challenges facing South Africa today is the high rate of youth unemployment. According to recent statistics, there are around four million young South Africans who are neither in education, employment, nor training (NEET). Programs like YES, in collaboration with organizations like Lula Way, are vital in providing these young people with an opportunity to gain work experience and break the cycle of unemployment.

By offering young people their first taste of the work environment, the YES program helps them learn important life skills such as discipline, meeting deadlines, and working as part of a team. These are essential skills that will make them more attractive to potential employers, whether in SMEs or larger corporations.

How to Get Involved

If you're a business owner or an entrepreneur interested in participating in the YES program, getting involved is easier than you think. You can contact the team at Lula Way or RaceCorp for more information about the program and how to get started. Whether you're looking to hire one intern or many, this partnership provides a straightforward way to tap into a pool of talented young individuals eager to make their mark in the workforce.

Conclusion

As South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment rates, initiatives like YES, powered by Lula Way and RaceCorp, are helping to bridge the gap between education and employment. By making it easier for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, to participate in youth employment programs, these organizations are creating opportunities for young South Africans to gain valuable work experience, develop essential skills, and ultimately secure permanent employment.

Through these efforts, South Africa’s youth can look forward to a brighter future, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the nation.

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