In this blog, we cover new themes that are emerging around the South African mining industry, and ways the sector can create impactful youth jobs that meet sustainability goals to create thriving communities.
Unearthing opportunities: How YES can revitalise the mining industry
The mining sector in South Africa needs to prepare young people for its evolving nature, acknowledging significant changes ahead that demand greater technological adaptation. The Youth Employment Service (YES) offers a promising solution by connecting mining companies with motivated young talent, injecting fresh perspectives and energy into the industry. Through YES, youth gain work opportunities and essential skills for mining roles.
Experts in the mining sector are emphasising Africa's resources for global needs and the role of positive disruption in driving sustainable growth in the industry. Africa is ready to embrace positive disruption, setting the stage for a future focused on inclusivity, growth, transformation, and innovation in mining. The industry's adaptation to renewable energy and sustainability, increasing demand for minerals like lithium, cobalt, and copper is becoming more and more evident. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are now more critical, driving sustainable practices and community engagement. Technology, including drones and autonomous vehicles, will revolutionise Africa's mining sector, enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability for economic growth and sustainable development.
Ensuring that young people are poised to take advantage of this shift is crucial.
Promoting diversity and inclusion in the mining industry is both ethical and strategic. YES leads this effort, by prioritising inclusivity to attract diverse talent and cultivate a workforce that reflects the richness of society. By participating in YES programmes, mining companies demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility, investing in youth development and employment. These actions empower youth socially and economically, while fostering an inclusive and responsible culture in mining, driving positive change and sustainable growth.
The sustainable benefits of YES for mining companies and communities
Creating youth jobs in sectors that build economic, social, and environmental stability in communities (through the turnkey solution) is an effective way to systemically and holistically reach environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, and empower communities beyond mining. These ESG outcomes will also assist the relevant mine in improving its attractiveness to investors. The YES integrated offering promotes youth jobs that simultaneously dove-tails with B-BBEE scorecard, ESG strategies, the Mining Charter and SLPs.
Integrating with your SLP
Through the turnkey solution YES integrates seamlessly with the Local Economic Development (LED) and Human Resource Development plans of the SLP.
The YES host partners help capacitate local businesses, schools, clinics and NPOs with dynamic young people who are eager to learn and grow their careers. This feeds into poverty eradication (an LED element).
Part of the Human Resources Development plan indicates that mines must not only develop their own workers’ skills, but the skills of community members. By placing youth within a host partner, mining companies can uplift communities and economies beyond the mines these towns surround.
YES also allows mines to take their existing skills development programmes up a level by pairing them this work-readiness initiatives post-training. Skills development is only effective if it leads to a job in which a young person can practice and hone their skills – and that job doesn’t necessarily have to be in mining.
Benefits of YES for mining communities: Sustainability beyond the mine
The mining industry has the capacity and responsibility to generate sustainable job opportunities that significantly benefit local communities and the wider economy. Through YES mining firms can foster employment beyond mining activities, promoting enduring and environmentally conscious jobs. By leveraging this initiative, mining companies not only initiate career paths for young individuals but also contribute to economic and social advancement within communities and the nation.
As the industry evolves, youth employment programmes like YES offer hope for revitalising the sector and creating opportunities for the next generation of talent, ensuring a prosperous future for all.
Join the movement
Be a part of the solution as we work together to build a South Africa that works for all. Sustainably investing in our environment and our youth today is equivalent to investing in our country for years to come.
Click here to join YES today.