Ido Lekota sat down with Youth Employment Services (YES) programme CEO Ravi Naidoo to find out about the programme’s impact and its future plans
South Africa’s youth unemployment rate is not only the highest among G20 and BRICS countries but also far exceeds the average for countries at a similar level of development.
With more than six in ten young people aged 15–24 unable to find work, the county’s youth unemployment crisis is extreme by both regional and global standards, reflecting deep structural challenges in the economy, education system, and labour market.
On the bright side, South Africa does have several promising interventions aimed at bridging the gap between training and employment by leveraging public private partnerships. The interventions provide wraparound support to ensure youth are not only employed, but also equipped for long-terms career success.
One such intervention is the Youth Employment Services (YES) programme—South Africa’s largest and most impactful private sector youth employment initiative.
Started seven years ago (2018), the solely private sector-funded YES has seen over 180 000 youths from disadvantaged communities getting their first quality work experience through a 12-month contract or fulltime jobs—during which they get work integrated training.
To enhance the much-needed skilled youth base YES also provides 30+ online modules to all the youth in the programme in subjects including work readiness, entrepreneurship (accredited), and AI training.
The YES programme is distinct from learnerships, apprenticeships, or internships by focusing on providing real workplace exposure and skills aimed at tackling the country’s youth unemployment crisis. Participants receive a monthly stipend and, in some cases, additional support such as workplace readiness training and digital tools such as smartphones.
BBQ Magazine had a one-on-one chat with YES CEO Ravi Naidoo to find out about the programme’s impact and its future plans.
How does the YES programme measure the effectiveness of its training?
YES is an employment programme and not a training programme. YES measures its effectiveness according to how many youth from disadvantaged backgrounds get their first quality work experiences funded by the private sector. By that metric: At least 43 000 youths last year (186 000 to date) have completed 12 months, full-time, minimum wage+ employment. This is the biggest programme in SA. The youths get work integrated training in their workplaces. YES also provides 30+ training modules online, specially created training via a Learning Management System to all youth in the programme—this includes work readiness, entrepreneurship (accredited), and AI-training. YES also has the highest post-programme permanent/fixed-term absorption rates of 45%+ (can be 90-100%) and 17% of youth set up their own businesses.
What specific 21st century skills are emphasised in the YES programme?
YES accounts for 68% of the “demand-led” skilling programme jobs in the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, which includes all other major programmes. YES also channels talented young people to future-facing sectors, covering a range of technology, digital-skills, advanced manufacturing, and entrepreneurial skill sets. YES is leading the AI Skills Hub for Africa, a joint programme with Microsoft global, targeting 50 000 youth a year for Microsoft-certified qualifications.
How does the programme ensure that participants can adapt to different work environments?
YES is a demand-led programme where youth all go into jobs. The skills a young person gains at work make them seven times more employable than someone without that experience.
What role do employers play in the success of the YES programme?
YES opportunities are 100% funded by employers. YES has 1 850+ companies that are sponsoring YES jobs, making it the largest pool of sponsoring companies in any social impact programme in Africa. There are no taxpayer funds used in YES for youth salaries.
How do think the YES programme has effectively adapted to a new era where the future of work demands a shift from: “Have you done this before?” to “Can you learn, adapt and deliver?” Can you please provide some examples in that regard?
YES works with companies and government to curate a talent pipeline that can support future-facing sectors, such as drones, digital, tourism, entrepreneurship, etc. YES now works with longer-term sector objectives. YES is also offering enhanced skills programmes for its active youth and alumni, including AI-training.
How does the YES programme support small businesses in South Africa?
The YES programme supports small businesses by providing young talent, waiving fees to reduce costs, improving B-BBEE scores, offering ongoing support, and fostering innovation through community hubs. This makes youth employment affordable, enhances competitiveness, and helps SMEs grow sustainably while creating valuable work experiences.
How does the YES programme integrate with other youth employment initiatives?
The YES programme integrates with South Africa’s youth employment initiatives by collaborating with government, private sector, and platforms like SAYouth and Harambee. It complements skills development and job placement efforts, providing quality work experiences that enhance youth employability and support sustainable economic inclusion through coordinated partnerships.
What are some of the key challenges the YES programme faces in its drive to address the high level of youth unemployment in the country?
The economy is not growing. We need economic growth to create the conditions for the private sector to offer work opportunities and have the resources to support the programme. YES has been making progress, and growing by 25% a year for the past four years, despite the adverse conditions. YES is constantly finding ways to add value to its corporate partners.
As the YES CEO, what interventions do you suggest to address those challenges?
YES has suggested policy enhancements that could unlock jobs, including making the employment of youth a national priority. YES is also a channel for donors and other development organisations to join and support the large numbers of YES youth going into employment. These youth will be future professionals, entrepreneurs, and taxpayers and hence there is a national imperative to support these young people. We are also working with Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and sector associations to encourage more companies to join YES and sponsor YES youth. As mentioned, as YES is 100% private sector financed and can only support youth based on the support it gets from companies.
How does the YES programme measure its impact on reducing youth unemployment?
The YES programme measures its impact by tracking jobs created, post-programme employment rates (around 45%), salary injections exceeding R7.7 billion, business retention rates, and B-BBEE improvements. It also evaluates youth entrepreneurship and partnerships with training institutions to enhance youth employability and reduce unemployment in South Africa.
What are the long-term career prospects for participants in YES programme?
The YES programme enhances long-term career prospects by providing practical skills, mentorship, and industry exposure. About 45% of participants secure permanent jobs or start businesses, gaining confidence and work experience that open doors to sustainable careers in diverse sectors, fostering economic independence and growth opportunities.
Ido Lekota is a former Sowetan Editor and regular contributor to BBQ Magazine.
