25 year old Asanda Nqoko, started his YES journey at the YES head office. His quality work experience helped develop his skills, and hone in on his goal to open up his own business as a side hustle at the same time.
Asanda was able to make the best of all that his experience at YES had to offer. From the on-the-job skills learned, the work readiness modules that prepare one for the work environment and entrepreneurship, to the financial help that came with it.
Before joining the YES programme, he kept himself busy with adhoc events photography and shoots. After hearing about the YES Tembisa Hub he registered on the YES database and started attending workshops hosted by YES.
That’s how Asanda gained the opportunity to be a part of a YES programme where he started his quality work experience. During the national lockdown in 2020, with little money coming in, no events, little money for food and rent due, Asanda was left with no choice but to go back home and restart his life.
He only returned to Johannesburg as the national pandemic rules were relaxed, but work in his industry was still difficult to find. “As conditions worsened, I started living solely on bread and water daily as well as being on the verge of being kicked out by my landlord, with none of my family and friends able to help.”
In February 2021, Asanda received an email in from the YES, inviting unemployed youth to apply for open positions. He landed the job, and slowly witnessed his life change as he was got back onto his feet.
Asanda has this to say:
“I gained skills I never thought I would like (Excel, web developing, Microsoft, Adobe programmes in graphic designing etc.). The YES team became my second family. The YES team was also very encouraging and kept me motivated, I got awarded with certificates of completing the programmes that we were doing which I am able to use if I ever apply for any job I’m looking for.”
The YES team has been supportive in assisting Asanda to reach his goals of becoming an entrepreneur. His fledgling business (39 Pictures) is now able to employ four employees who were also previously unemployed and mostly unskilled. They work as a graphic designer, lighting assistant, camera assistant and a deals booker.
Asanda has had the opportunity to work on incredible projects, ranging from event photography and videography gigs (including the launch of the second phase of the Netcare Ulusha Hub launch), and has even had the opportunity to work with the local team of the global superstar Beyoncé to create authentic South African content for use.
Beyonce’s Project
The Ivy Park and Adidas project the highlight of Asanda’s career because it was something he took a risk on.
“I emailed Beyonce’s team several times with no response but as time went on, I received an email stating that there’s merchandise at a certain store that was waiting for me, and that I’d work with one of the known South African influencers and post my work on our social media.
In January 2022, I saw the image that I shot on Beyonce’s Ivy Park Instagram page. I had made it to Beyoncé’s page without any help from outside agencies. My life hasn’t been the same since. I would like to say that without YES, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. I am grateful for everything and it will forever be my second family.” says Asanda