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Client Testimonials

Diageo programme pours hope into jobs pipeline for SA youth

By Admin
October 30, 2025

 

Publication: Northcliff Meville Times
 Author: Waydon Jacobs
 

UJ, Diageo, and Yes4Youth team up to turn ambition into opportunity in a country where job creation is scarce in the hospitality sector.

In a country where job opportunities continue to shrink, particularly for young graduates eager to put their studies to use, the struggle for meaningful employment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges.

 

Speaking at the launch of the Diageo South Africa Learning for Life 2025/26 program, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, and with support from Youth Employment Service (Yes) 4Youth, UJ alumnus and head of business development at Yes4Youth Thabo Moloi shared a view of the state of youth employment in the country at the Auckland Park Bunting Road campus on October 2.

 

Moloi, who has worked long at the intersection of business and youth development, said the employment outlook is closely related to the overall performance of the economy. “The higher we are able to grow the economy, the more we are able to get job creation going.”

 

He stressed that the private sector must be the driving force behind job creation, with government support focused on enabling growth in labour intensive sectors. “What is important, is that its private-sector led. It is about how we partner with the private sector, understanding which markets need support and how we can unlock these jobs together.”

 

Despite the challenges, he believes that the country’s infrastructure development plans, and renewed economic momentum, could spark more opportunities for the youth. “As the country starts churning its wheels and infrastructure development accelerates, more jobs can be created for the youth.”

 

Turning his attention to the programme, now in its second intake, he is excited for what lies ahead. “The hospitality industry is strategically important to the country. The more young people we can get into these spaces, the more momentum we unlock. These programmes are geared for strength.”

 

For many participants, the impact of the programme has been deeply personal, with alumna Precious Dube describing her experience as transformational. Dube joined the programme in 2024, during her work-integrated learning year, and was placed at one of the countries’ most prestigious hospitality establishments, The Four Seasons hotel. “Being placed at that hotel taught me a lot. Some of the skills I gained were confidence and professionalism, through the partnership between UJ and Diageo.”

 

For many driving forces like these, the goal is clear: To bridge the gap between education and employment, and to ensure that the countries young minds can use their qualifications in the workplace.
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