On Thursday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) under the theme “A Nation That Works for All.” With youth unemployment being a significant crisis in South Africa, the government is actively working to establish job opportunities for young people.
Ramaphosa emphasized the government’s commitment to building a nation where “every person realizes their potential.” One key initiative driving this vision is the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES).
Presidential Employment Stimulus: Creating Jobs for the Future
Launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, the PES has created over 2.2 million jobs. The programme aims to leverage South Africa’s strengths and untapped potential to build industries that will drive future employment. “To create jobs, we must leverage our unique strengths as well as our unrealized potential to build the industries of the future,” said Ramaphosa.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to drive job creation, skills development, and long-term employment solutions.
The success of the Presidential Employment Stimulus shows how public employment programmes can create meaningful work that generates a wider benefit and contributes to sustainable employment.
Another focus area is the development of data centers, which are generating employment opportunities for young South Africans. To support this growth, the government is investing in skills development to prepare the workforce for emerging industries.
Jobs Boost: A R300 Million Investment in Youth Employment
A key initiative currently being piloted in South Africa is Jobs Boost, a R300 million pay-for-performance program. This outcomes-based funding model collaborates with implementing partners to create sustainable, high-quality jobs for unemployed and marginalized youth.
The Jobs Boost Fund has pioneered a new model that links funding for skills in demand for the successful placement and particularly employment for young people. We are expanding our support for small and medium enterprises and the informal economy which sustains millions of jobs.
How Government Initiatives Are Helping Young People
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has encouraged young people to take advantage of government programs designed to combat unemployment and create job opportunities.
These initiatives operate in multiple phases:
- Recruitment Phase: Participants are selected and enrolled in the program.
- Job Readiness Workshops: Training sessions help candidates prepare for the job market.
- Job Placement: Recruits are placed in sustainable jobs for at least six months.
When we speak as government about addressing youth unemployment, we are speaking not just about training young people, but also speaking about how we get those young people into sustainable jobs.
Where to Find Youth Job Opportunities
Young people seeking employment can explore opportunities through SAYouth.mobi, a zero-rated platform providing access to government-supported job programmes like the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative and the YES Programme.
This platform allows youth to search for job opportunities without using mobile data.
How to Register on SAYouth.mobi
To access job opportunities, follow these steps:
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Visit the SAYouth.mobi website
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Have your South African ID number ready (for citizens, permanent residents, or refugees)
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Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your employment status
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Keep your phone active to receive job notifications
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Need help? Call the toll-free support line at 0800 72 72 72
The government continues to roll out initiatives to tackle youth unemployment and create sustainable job opportunities. Stay updated, register on SAYouth.mobi, and make use of available resources to secure your future.
