President Ramaphosa launches youth employment service

President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Youth Employment Service (YES) today, a groundbreaking initiative that is set to change the lives of young South Africans across the country. The program aims to provide opportunities that were previously unavailable to the youth, offering a path to economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. The YES initiative, which was discussed at the Union Buildings two years ago, has finally come to fruition after facing several challenges in its implementation journey. The program brings together business, labor, civil society, and government in a united effort to tackle the pressing issue of youth unemployment in South Africa. Tashima Ismail-Saville, CEO of YES, sheds light on the long road to the program's launch and the ambitious goals set to transform the nation's economy and job market. The initial discussions surrounding the YES initiative were rooted in addressing the significant economic challenges facing South Africa. The program was conceived as a response to these challenges, with a focus on creating sustainable solutions that could make a tangible impact on the country's youth unemployment crisis. The collaboration between CEOs, government officials, and civil society stakeholders paved the way for the development of the YES program, with a vision to drive change on a significant scale. However, the journey from conception to implementation was not without its hurdles. Political uncertainties, including changes in key ministerial positions and financial instability, posed obstacles to the progress of the YES initiative. It was not until President Ramaphosa took office in February that the program gained renewed momentum and support. His leadership and commitment to driving results have been instrumental in pushing the initiative forward and mobilizing stakeholders towards a common goal. The core objective of the YES initiative is to create a robust and thriving economy that generates job opportunities organically. By investing in the right strategies and resources, the program aims to catalyze job creation and sustainable growth. The annual target of creating 530,000 jobs within two years, leading to a total of one million jobs, reflects the program's ambitious but achievable goals. The emphasis on building a strong foundation, adopting a data-driven approach, and leveraging technology for scalability are key pillars of the initiative's success. Tashima Ismail-Saville highlights the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving the success of the YES initiative. The program has garnered support from leading companies such as Woolworths, Sasol, and Investec, who have generously contributed funding and resources to support its implementation. The involvement of corporate giants like Absa, FirstRand, and other key players in the market is crucial in creating a ripple effect that extends from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). By mobilizing businesses across the spectrum to participate in job creation, the YES initiative aims to achieve its ambitious targets and make a significant impact on the country's job market. In conclusion, the launch of the Youth Employment Service marks a pivotal moment in South Africa's efforts to combat youth unemployment and drive economic prosperity. With a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth, the YES initiative is poised to become a game-changer in the lives of young South Africans, providing them with the opportunities and support they need to thrive in the workforce. As President Ramaphosa stated, 'The time for action is now, and together, we can build a brighter future for the youth of our nation.'