South Africa’s youth are very hungry for opportunities, and the government’s new Last Mile Delivery Programme is stepping in with exactly that, through a fully funded scooter training, business support, and access to delivery platforms. This initiative gives young people a practical pathway to earn an income, build, and grow. This programme not only teaches driving skills, but also creates a real income and real independence, especially for youths who haven’t been in the work industry for too long.
Government-Backed Scooter Training Programme
The recent initiative introduced by the South African government is the “Last Mile Delivery Programme,” a collaboration between the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) and LevelUp Training Institute. This fully funded programme is designed for unemployed youth aged 18 to 35, with a focus on Black youth. And at least 30% female participation.
Participants will gain:
- Motorcycle and scooter training, including safety and driver’s license acquisition
- An entrepreneurship certificate to learn how to manage and grow a business
- Business mentorship and coaching for guidance and long-term support
- Company registration assistance with the Companies’ Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), South African Revenue Service (SARS), and Central Supplier Database (CSD)
- Platform partnerships, connecting graduates to delivery services like Uber Eats, MR D Food, and others.
- Business launch assistance to participants to turn their training into real revenues.
These practical skills, combined with business knowledge, mean that the graduates are not only competent riders but are also best equipped to establish a sustainable business.
Turning Skills Into Opportunities
Scooter and delivery training creates various employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Graduates after the programme can immediately register on delivery platforms to earn income, and applying the business and entrepreneurial skills they gain will help them to manage and grow their own delivery business.
Again, these skills allow young people to serve the underserved communities, providing reliable delivery services in townships and peri-urban areas where major logistics companies often do not reach.
How Much Do Scooter Delivery Drivers Potentially Earn?
Scooter delivery earnings vary platform to platform, but Checkers Sixty60 drivers in South Africa earn approximately R7600 per month before expenses, with a daily minimum of R350. Expenses may include fuel, maintenance, or the rental fee if the driver is renting a scooter.
A Local Entrepreneur’s Perspective
To highlight the real impact of youth-focused delivery opportunities, Freddy Mahhumane, CEO and founder of Kasi D Pty Ltd, a township-based delivery platform that hires and trains local youth, shared his insight on a University of Johannesburg – Supply Chain Lab Podcast Series on YouTube.
Mahhumane built Kasi D to employ people in areas where jobs can be scarce, and his business model reflects the purpose of initiatives such as the Last Mile programme, through which they have trained 1000+ youth in their business.
“Our priority is hiring South African youth. Where skills are lacking, we provide in-house training through certified motorcycle instructors. We create real income opportunities for those ready to seize them,” said Mahhumane.
His words reaffirm the strength of mobility, training, and entrepreneurship in opening the doors of real income to youth who only require an opportunity.
Addressing Youth Employment
Youth unemployment is both a personal and structural challenge in South Africa. Programmes like the Last Mile Delivery Driver Programme help to address this by creating immediate income opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and contributing to local economies. They also align with national development goals, promoting inclusive growth while empowering young people to take control of their futures.
Scooter and delivery training is not simply a skill; it is also economic empowerment. With the growing gig economy, as well as increasing demand for delivering goods and services, youth that has such skillsets can achieve financial independence.
How to Apply for the Last Mile Programme
Eliability Criteria:
- South Africa, unemployed youth
- Targeted primarily at Black South African youth aged 18 -35, with at least 30% female participation.
- Grade 12 /Matric Certificate
- Resident of Vereeniging and the surrounding area
- Own an Android smartphone
- Computer literate & have good communication skills.
E-mail your application to precious@levelupti.co.za and info@levelupti.co.za.
Applications close on November 26th at midnight (00:00).
The Last Mile Delivery and any other programmes are giving South Africa’s youth a real chance to earn, learn, and grow. With scooter skills, business education, and accessing delivery platforms, young people can take control of their future, build independence, and turn opportunities into real income. It is more than a training. It is the start of something meaningful.
