YES 2023: Empowering futures, shaping dreams.

A year of 100,000 jobs, innovation, and impact.As we bid farewell to 2023, we can't help but reflect on the incredible journey we've had at the Youth Employment Service (YES). Throughout the year, our focus on empowering South Africa's youth has led to notable achievements, valuable partnerships, and innovative initiatives. This blog outlines the key highlights that have shaped this remarkable year of 2023.

2023 in summary

As we conclude 2023, we extend our gratitude to our partners who are impacting the lives of young South Africans. Together, we've deployed 130,000+ young game-changers into the private sector, equating to over R6.8 billion injected into the economy through YES Youth salaries alone.

With the support of our 1,612+ corporate partners and dozens of implementation partners, YES has become the largest youth employment programme in the country that is fully funded by the private sector. We are grateful for corporate South Africa’s commitment to helping empower a whole generation to become the architects of their own success stories and agents of change in our society.

The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey for quarter three reported a 2.1% decrease to 53.1% in the overall expanded definition for youth aged 15-34. Despite the decrease, there are still 6.8 million young South Africans unemployed and discouraged. As we face this enormous youth unemployment challenge in South Africa, we take pride in the meaningful impact the YES salary has on families and communities. 

Impact to date:

 130,152+ YES Youth jobs

.  1,550+ corporate sign-ups 

    R6.8 billion injection

     Employment rate 42%

2023 Highlights

Milestone of 100,000 youth jobs

In March, YES reached a monumental milestone of 100,000 game-changing jobs for South African youth. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment providing tangible solutions for South Africa's current and future leaders. To celebrate the achievement YES hosted an event with partners, board members and youth. The event showcased the vital role that YES plays in the lives of individual youth, the companies that host them, as well as its broader impact on the country.

Youth4Tourism Initiative

The launch of the Youth4Tourism initiative stands out as a transformative effort of founding partners, YES and Sanlam, to stimulate South Africa's crucial tourism sector. By bringing together businesses, funders, and partners, we've unlocked the potential of youth, contributing significantly to one of the nation's most vital economic sectors. In October, the official launch event was held at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town where the notable work of the youth within the programme was presented. 

Inaugural YES ESG Awards

In October, at the ESG Africa Conference 2023, YES hosted the inaugural YES ESG Awards. The awards honoured YES’s Top 10 Job Creators as well as outstanding contributors to Digital Transformation, Female Empowerment and Innovation Catalyst for Youth Development. Through job creation, economic progress, and social development, these companies have made substantial contributions to the ‘S’ in ESG. By collaborating with YES, they are empowering a whole generation to become the architects of their own success stories and agents of change in our society. 

The following companies were presented with certificates signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Top 10 Job Creators (in no particular order)

.    .    .    

               Nedbank                               Shoprite Group                      Toyota South Africa           The Foschini Group (TFG)

.    .     .    

  Volkswagen Group SA            Anglo American Platinum            BWM South Africa &                  Bidvest Protea Coin

                                                                                                      BMW Financial Services SA

.    

                Investec                                       Ford

Outstanding Contributors awarded

Digital Transformation – Microsoft

.    Female Empowerment – Pizza Hut

.    Innovation Catalyst for Youth Development – Famous Brands
These companies have set remarkable examples of how businesses can contribute to youth employment and sustainability.

YES Mindful Matters

In collaboration with Syked, YES launched the Mindful Matters initiative to prioritise the mental well-being of our YES Youth. YES understands the critical importance of mental well-being, especially among youth in the context of workplaces. By equipping young individuals with the necessary tools and support through the initiative, we aim to empower them to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

YES Mindful Matters offers engaging and informative content on mental health, presented by registered counsellors. Access podcasts, videos, and blogs for expert advice and guidance on coping strategies, stress management, and overall well-being, conveniently available on the Syked app.

Additionally, youth can participate in online support groups, connecting with fellow YES Youth facing similar challenges by sharing experiences, offering support, and fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

Collaboration with Microsoft

Our collaboration with Microsoft reached new heights with the launch of an AI Training Programme for 300,000 young game-changers. This initiative aims to empower youth with AI skills, fostering confidence and competence in a digitally inclusive economy. At the Microsoft AI New Era event in October, the President of Microsoft Africa, Lilian Banard, and the Director of Microsoft South Africa, Kalane Ram, invited YES CEO Ravi Naidoo onto the stage to announce the news. 

AI Mashup sponsorship

Elevating innovation. As a platinum sponsor, YES proudly joined the mLab AI Mashup event, spanning Gauteng, KZN, Limpopo, and Northern Cape. YES CEO Ravi Naidoo ignited the event with an inspiring opening speech, while YES CIO Malcolm MacDonald was a judge for the AI Mashup. Participants took on captivating challenges, and Kimberly's 'Soldier-Up Hackers' emerged as champions by addressing YES's challenge with their innovative concept, 'CV2Role', an AI-powered tool that seamlessly matches CVs with job roles.

ESG Africa Conference

YES had the privilege of being a proud partner at the ESG Africa Conference, held on 4-5 October. This collaboration underscored YES’s commitment to the importance of ESG principles in today's corporate landscape. During the conference, Ravi Naidoo assumed a pivotal role as a keynote speaker, addressing the critical subject of Youth Entrepreneurship and SMMEs within the context of ESG. YES COO Leanne Emery Hunter also moderated a panel discussion, providing valuable insights and facilitating an engaging exchange of ideas. YES Alumna Tholi Cenenda brought a fresh, youth-centric perspective to the stakeholders' discourse, reinforcing the importance of the next generation's involvement in shaping the ESG landscape.

South African Future Trust Summit

Ravi Naidoo and board co-chairperson Colin Coleman shared insights at the SA Future Trust Summit in November, discussing YES's early challenges and its collaborative success with the government and private sector. They highlighted YES's unique approach of incentivising companies to receive a B-BBEE boost when empowering youth with work experiences. Coleman closed by calling for more businesses to join, emphasising YES's commitment to make a lasting impact.

BRICS Business Summit

Representing YES, Ravi Naidoo joined the BRICS Business Summit in August, engaging in the Energy Transition panel with the Just Energy Transition Plan (JETP) team. The JETP partnership spearheads SA's journey towards sustainable growth, championing low emissions and climate resilience, paving the way for fresh economic prospects such as green hydrogen and electric vehicles. YES is poised to play a pivotal role in SA's Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), advocating for the industry to integrate YES into its skills blueprint. This integration will enable youth to acquire the skills needed for emerging sectors, leading to community upliftment, and igniting economic growth.

Media recognition

YES had a stellar year in the media, being featured in prominent publications such as Business Day, Cape Argus, Daily Maverick, and The Star. We also engaged in broadcast interviews with ENCA, Newzroom Afrika, Question Think Act, Cape Talk, and SAfm. Online coverage included Bizcommunity, IOL, BusinessTech, and Engineering News.

Here are some of the highlights from this year:

Strategic MOUs

YES signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with several organisations, this year, including Sanlam, Market Place Academy, Wazee, Cape Town International Convention Centre and Tourism Business Council of South Africa. An MOU with the University of Johannesburg was also signed – which focuses on empowering youth through online courses, 4IR training, and a start-up incubation programme harnessing the potential of AI for innovative businesses.

#SayingYES to a brighter future

We look forward to a more prosperous and impactful new year. Through our collaborative efforts, 2024 has the potential to see us create tens of thousands more youth jobs.

Thank you for your investment in our country’s youth. Your contribution plays a critical role in transforming lives, communities and co-creating a future that works for all.

Cheers to a remarkable 2023! Wishing you a joyous festive season and a prosperous new year.