MultiChoice supports YES4Youth to address youth unemployment

The Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative is Empowering SA Youth with 158,000 jobs and counting. Since its inception, the YES initiative alone has created more than 158,000 jobs and contributed over R8.3 billion in salaries to the South African economy, underscoring the program’s widespread impact and commitment to creating resilient communities.

MultiChoice, in partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES), is making strides in this arena by providing young South Africans with skills, work experience, and tangible career pathways in key sectors.

Through their collaboration, MultiChoice and YES have launched a multi-faceted program designed not only to create employment but to bridge critical skills gaps, particularly among underprivileged youth. This partnership reflects a proactive response to the challenges faced by young job seekers, equipping them with the tools to thrive in diverse industries such as ICT, engineering, and satellite technology.

Partnership with purpose

Since joining forces with YES, MultiChoice has invested R192 million in youth employment initiatives, which have so far:

• Created 1,585 job opportunities for young people, offering them exposure to real work environments.
• Successfully placed 95% of program participants with host employers, giving them hands-on experience and networking opportunities across nine provinces.
• Enabled 32% of participants to transition into permanent employment roles, helping them secure stable, long-term careers.

Each placement represents more than just a job, it provides critical exposure to work environments, opportunities to build professional networks, and a foundation for sustainable careers. By focusing on high-demand sectors, MultiChoice and YES are helping to meet the needs of South Africa’s evolving job market while advancing future-ready professionals.

Celebrating excellence: The YES Top 35 Under 35 Awards

A key highlight of the YES4Youth collaborations is the YES Top 35 Under 35 Awards, presented in partnership with Daily Maverick. These awards celebrate the accomplishments of YES alumni who have made significant impacts in their industries and communities. This year’s award recipients showcase the power of youth leadership and innovation in addressing complex societal challenges, from economic development to technology and environmental sustainability.

Some of the winners from the 2024 YES Top 35 Under 35 include

• Retail Award: Somila Skelem – recognised for her contributions to retail and hospitality.
• Mining/Manufacturing/Automotive Award: Karabo Mtsweni – applauded for her leadership in industrial and automotive sectors.
• Finance Award: Tshegofatso Sekwele – honoured for her work in finance and resource management.
• Creative/Tourism Award: Madibeng Levy Sekonya, Youth Content Collective – acknowledged for his innovative contributions to South Africa’s creative and tourism industries.
• Entrepreneurship Award: Humbulani Moeketsi, founder of Mbono Media – celebrated for driving entrepreneurial spirit in media and logistics.
• Tech Award: Phakitso Mohale– recognised for his work in education technology.
• Daily Maverick Award: Gcina Twala and Thato Mokwebo – acknowledged for their community-driven tech solutions.

Each awardee is not only a representative of South Africa’s potential but a living testament to what is possible when young people are given the support, mentorship, and resources needed to succeed. The awardees also benefit from ongoing mentorship and career development support, ensuring that their achievements mark the beginning of a broader career journey.

Impact of Youth Unemployment

According to Business Unity South Africa Youth unemployment is currently hovering at an alarming 60.8% for young people aged 15 to 24 and 41.7% for those between 25 and 34, the need for effective and scalable solutions has never been greater.

Youth unemployment poses severe challenges to South Africa, affecting economic growth, social stability, and future development. Addressing these issues, MultiChoice and YES4youth job creation programs inject critical funding into the economy while actively countering the poverty, inequality, and instability perpetuated by unemployment.

In addition to practical placements, the MultiChoice-YES partnership also contributes to skills development, with a focus on sectors like television, film, and sports, thereby opening career avenues that offer long-term employability and economic mobility.

Youth Empowerment

MultiChoice's youth development programs in 2024 continue to expand, addressing skills gaps and offering professional experience for South Africa's youth through programs like the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), the Graduate Program, and SuperSport's Let's Play initiative.

MultiChoice’s commitment to transformation extends beyond job creation, it is about supporting a new generation of skilled professionals and leaders who can drive South Africa’s growth in key industries. With initiatives aimed at supporting youth employment programs in ICT, engineering, satellite technology, sports and creative industries, MultiChoice is helping to build a workforce ready for the challenges of the modern world by providing essential skills and pathways to meaningful careers.

For more information about MultiChoice’s ongoing youth empowerment initiatives in 2024, visit www.multichoice.com. To learn more about the YES initiative and their impact on youth employment, visit YES4Youth

Back to previous page