ARTICLE BY: Comfort Makhanha
PUBLICATION: Midrand Reporter
The country continues to celebrate Youth Month under the theme ‘Growing youth employment for an inclusive and transformed society.’ To this end, Midrand—based Bridgestone Southern Africa has been partnering with Yes4Youth in a graduate development programme since 2020, with 151 graduates having been placed in internships to ready them for the world of work.
“The company’s proudest boast is that it has managed to place 42 of the youngsters in permanent positions within the company,” said Botaki Hlalele, head of talent at Bridgestone Southern Africa.
“We are committed to supporting the government’s drive to reduce unemployment by providing the work experience the youth need to stand out in the competitive jobs market. Being able to absorb a signicant proportion of these young people into the company is particularly gratifying because it gives us a chance really to get their careers started.”
Ayanda Letsapa, an engineering graduate and a former Yes4Youth intern was appointed as a maintenance planner by the company in 2021, subsequently becoming a shift engineer. “Above all, I am gaining more condence in the engineering and operations eld,” said Letsapa, “I am more driven and have developed a positive attitude.”
Letsapa sees Bridgestone as a good place to develop a career because of the opportunities it offers, as evidenced by his rapid promotion.
Another former Yes4Youth intern, Risuna Mabasa who is a logistics and supply chain graduate said she had learned that, just like in any organisation, you need to have good relations with people you work with.
Ephodia Mokwala who is building a career in human resources said she aimed to build her reputation through delivering quality results on her projects on the way to joining the human resource leadership team in the future.
All three of these youthful go-getters acknowledge that the Yes4Youth programme opened doors for them.
Mokwala’s advice to other interns is to cultivate a professional approach and perform each task well.