ARTICLE BY: Thomas Chiothamisi
PUBLICATION: startup mag
The diversified mining and renewable energy solutions company, Exxaro Resources continues to power better lives through a partnership it has established with the Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa.Through this partnership – programmes will be implemented across Exxaro’s coal mine operations in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces to help create employment pathways for young South Africans.
Community Development Manager, Ms. Tebogo Leepile states that, “through this partnership, job creation and skills development will be stimulated thus, overcoming challenges in local employment, attracting procurement opportunities, and sustaining community development.” Exxaro constantly strives to understand what the community needs are – in order to respond and engage better. The programmes which will be implemented in the mining company’s host communities include: The SME. Tax initiative which will provide 50 young accountants with skills and practical work experience to help them reach and sustain a position. The other initiative is LulaRides, which will be training 200 young South African scooter drivers throughout 12 months, with work experience, for them to earn income through their work on the various online delivery platforms.
“There are many challenges that deprive the growth of our country, such as youth unemployment, therefore, innovative ways to equip the youth with quality work experiences and skills development will empower them to create impact locally,” adds Leepile. The non-profit organisation, YES, aims to transform companies, communities, and youth by connecting the youth to economic opportunity. Launched in 2018 by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa – the YES Programme has a proven track record of developing youth employment initiatives with over 1400 different corporate partners and has created over 72 000 jobs since its inception and created over R4bn in youth salaries.
“Our strategic objectives guide Exxaro’s community development approach, and further demonstrated through this partnership to portray the importance of collaborating with diverse partners that complement Exxaro’s capabilities,” Leepile concludes.