AUTHOR: Unspecified
PUBLICATION: Soweto Urban - Eldorado
The high rate of unemployment among South Africa’s youth has long been a cause for alarm, with millions of young people struggling to find work and secure a stable income. Underscoring the depths ofthe problem, Statistics South Africa figures from the third quarter of 2022 revealed, for example that more than four in every ten (44%) of all South Africans between the ages of 15 and 34 years were not in employment, education or training (NEET). In response to the issue, Legacy Motor Group (LMG) teamed up with the Youth Employment Service (YES) in 2022 to launch a new programme for youth to gain the necessary work experience needed to thrive and excel in their chosen careers, beginning with a cohort of 16 talented new graduates from across Pretoria and Johannesburg.
As South Africa’s rst 100% black-owned automotive retail group which currently represents five BMW dealerships in Menlyn, Montana, Rustenburg, Polokwane and Joburg City, this programme was naturally aligned with LMG’s focus on empowerment and creating a transformed, sustainable business for the future
“The YES initiative is playing a crucial role in our society by creating opportunities for young individuals and empowering them with the skills they need to successfully enter and flourish in the workplace,” says Edward Makwana, General Manager of Public Relations, Marketing and Customer Experience at LMG. As part of the 12 month LMG programme, the YES students were each assigned to mentors and managers in various divisions of the company providing each individual with meaningful daily tasks and holistic, quality workplace experiences to enhance their skills and employability.
One such participant, Elton Tshezi, who has just been offered a permanent position as Approved Used Cars Assistant at BMW Montanasays, “Being introduced into the automotive industry through this programme has changed my career trajectory and life, as I have been given the opportunity to work with a product and brand that I have always loved. “The experience, skills, and knowledge I have gained under the leadership and support of managers and colleagues has been invaluable.”
In addition to creating new job opportunities LMG’s partnership with YES has demonstrated the importance of creating a culture of empowerment and transformation, setting an example for other companies to follow and demonstrating the value of investing in young talent. “I’ve learned to handle high-pressure situations, improved my communication skills, and have developed as a person. I have especially enjoyed dealing with such a wide variety of different customers,” said another YES participant, Mirriam Gwebu.
Finally, in addition to providing mentorship and skills development, LMG’s programme has also emphasised so skills development, which is vital for assisting youth to successfully climb their future career ladders. Mpho Dipela, Chairman and shareholder of Legacy Motor Group, emphasises that with continued effort and investment in programmes like these, it is possible to empower young people and unlock their full potential.