New Youth Employment and Environmental Initiative Launched in the Bay

A new initiative tackling two of South Africa’s most urgent challenges, youth unemployment and environmental degradation, was officially launched today (04 August 2025) in Nelson Mandela Bay. Spearheaded by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber through its Risk Management Desk and funded by Hollard, the programme brings together private and non-profit partners to create meaningful employment for young people while helping restore critical local ecosystems.

Delivered in partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES) and implementation partner Youth@Work, the initiative will place 17 unemployed youth in structured, conservation-focused roles. Participants will work with three established environmental organisations: Zwartkops Conservancy, Friends of Van Stadens, and the Sustainable Seas Trust (SST). These placements aim to provide practical experience while supporting ecological resilience in the metro.

Each host organisation offers a unique opportunity for learning and impact. At Zwartkops Conservancy, seven participants will serve as Environmental Field Assistants, focusing on pollution monitoring, clean-up campaigns, and public education around the Swartkops River - one of the Eastern Cape’s most threatened water systems.

Another seven youth will be placed with Friends of Van Stadens as Conservation Interns, where they will assist with indigenous plant conservation, ecological trail maintenance, and the removal of invasive alien species at the Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve.

The remaining three interns will work with the Sustainable Seas Trust, contributing to marine conservation efforts through public awareness campaigns, plastic waste education, and Clean Spot Operations aimed at reducing ocean-bound pollution.

This initiative forms part of the Business Chamber’s broader Risk Management strategy, which seeks to proactively identify and address social and environmental risks that affect both communities and businesses. By merging youth development with ecological stewardship, the programme offers a practical approach to long-term risk mitigation and shared value creation.

Denise van Huyssteen, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors.

“This programme reflects our commitment to integrated, long-term solutions that extend beyond job creation,” said van Huyssteen. “It’s about building resilience - economically, socially and environmentally. Through our Risk Management Desk, we’ve focused on tackling the root causes of vulnerability in our region. This initiative brings that vision to life by empowering young people to become active participants in restoring ecosystems and shaping their futures.”

She further highlighted the initiative’s long-term focus: These are not short-term interventions - they are legacy building initiatives. We see this as a model for how business, civil society and development partners can collaborate to unlock potential, reduce risk and promote sustainable development.”

Deanne Bezuidenhout, Hollard’s Head of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), echoed these sentiments, underlining the initiative’s strategic value.

“Creating value for business and society shouldn’t be mutually exclusive, and this initiative proves it,” said Bezuidenhout. “By investing in both young people and the environment, we’re addressing long-term risks while unlocking real opportunities for growth and resilience. We’re delighted to support 17 young South Africans in roles that equip them with meaningful skills, a sense of purpose, and the chance to drive impact in their communities.”

Bezuidenhout also underscored the economic relevance of environmental investment: “Environmental health is a cornerstone of long-term economic resilience. This initiative demonstrates how investing in nature and people can go hand in hand, aligning employment creation with ecological restoration in ways that are both practical and forward-looking.”

The initiative is guided by the national YES model, which facilitates quality one-year work experiences for unemployed youth. By combining YES’s proven framework with strong local implementation and environmental expertise, the programme is designed to deliver measurable outcomes - both for young people and the region’s ecosystems.

As the programme unfolds, participants will develop both technical and workplace skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for their role in building a more inclusive and sustainable South Africa - one where opportunity, shared responsibility, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

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