Yesterday the Youth Employment Service (YES) launched its first Community Hub, a smart infrastructure solution that aims to address youth unemployment challenges in South Africa.
YES aims to establish 100 hubs across the country. The Hubs will also provide business infrastructure in rural areas and township communities.
The hubs form part of YES’s SMME Development Strategy, which has three focus areas housed in YES Community Hubs – business development, route to market, and skills training.
Over 60% of South Africa’s unemployed reside in townships and through the Hubs small businesses will be able to absorb idle youth labour, whilst igniting local economies and promoting domestic markets.
The Hub is equipped with modern technology and skilled staff, is designed as an inclusive and engaging platform through which existing and aspiring small business can elevate their business or ideas.
The YES initiative, launched in March this year, is a business-led initiative supported by the government and labour, under the programme, businesses will offer paid quality work experience for a million unemployed youth over the next three years.
The YES Hub in Tembisa has been made possible through the investments from Sanlam, Investec and Unilever.
“The launch of our first Hub in Tembisa is a visible demonstration of our thinking brought to life – a true partnership between government, corporates and the community. This one is the start in reaching our million youth,” says Tashmia Ismail-Saville, CEO of YES.
“These Hubs are more than just a space. It is a symbol of opportunity and a means for our youth to develop and grow their skills where they live, and ultimately empower themselves to achieve a better future,” says Ismail-Saville.
