Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) remains a cornerstone of national efforts to address the persistent challenge of youth unemployment by ensuring that young South Africans have access to economic opportunities.
Mhlauli said progress has been made in unlocking earning opportunities and equipping young people with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in the labour market.
Briefing media on the PYEI third quarter report in Cape Town on Wednesday, Mhlauli explained that the intervention sets out priority actions, which together seek to stimulate and aggregate demand, and provide a seamless mechanism for young people to be linked to opportunities generated and receive support appropriate to their context and pathway.
“The PYEI coordinates, accelerates and enhances existing programmes, while driving innovation and creating pathways to earning for young people at scale,” Mhlauli said.
Mhlauli said as government enters the fifth year of PYEI, it continues to make significant strides in unlocking earning opportunities and equipping young people with the skills and resources necessary to succeed in the labour market.
“Over 53 379 earning opportunities were secured through the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN), bringing the total to 1.57 million opportunities since the inception of the PYEI.
“More than 38 864 young people accessed earning opportunities via the SA Youth platform, and an additional 14 515 opportunities were secured through the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA).
“The Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative placed 10 337 youth in various workplace experiences across sectors.
“The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) supported over 14 600 young entrepreneurs with financial and non-financial enterprise opportunities.
“The Revitalised National Youth Service (NYS) Phase 3 was success fully launched, with 13 568 new recruits, adding to a total of 82,378 youth placed in service opportunities,” the Deputy Minister said.
Mhlauli said the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund, a R300 million initiative, continues to create pathways for employment in digital inclusion, enterprise development, and work integrated learning.
“The Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund, launched in November 2023, is an outcome-based instrument launched as a strategic response to unlock jobs for excluded young people by linking contracted payments with desired outcomes.
“Unlike traditional approaches to job creation, which focus on inputs and activities like training and mentorship, the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund ensures that funds are allocated to implementing organisations upon the successful placement and sustained employment of excluded young people in quality jobs.
“To date, 3 347 young people have been enrolled in training programmes; 1 603young people have been placed in jobs, and 1 247 young people have sustained employment for three-months,” Mhlauli said.
Mhlauli said government remains acutely aware of the work that still lies ahead.
“Our focus remains on scaling impactful programs, securing sustainable funding and deepening strategic partnerships.
“The road to eradicating youth unemployment is not a short one, but through continued collaboration and commitment, we will continue to break barrier sand create real, lasting change,” the Deputy Minister said.
Mhlauli called on young people to make use of the initiative.
“Let us continue working together to ensure that every young person in South Africa has access to the opportunities they need to thrive.” - SAnews.gov.za
