JOHANNESBURG – THE National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), working under the banner of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), has officially opened applications for the second phase of the National Youth Service (NYS) programme.
National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Executive Chairperson, Asanda Luwaca
The National Youth Service is a paid community service initiative designed by the NYDA to provide opportunities to young South Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 years who struggle to find jobs due to a lack of work experience, qualifications, or a matric certificate.
The first phase of the NYS delivered 47 234 service opportunities to unemployed youth. And 7 456 of this cohort exited the programme and went to long-term opportunities.
This year, the NYS has teamed up with several companies, known as implementing partners, from all over the country to take part in the second phase of the programme:
| Implementing Partner | Location | Sector | Opportunities Available | No. of Opportunities |
| Charisma Music Foundation (CMF) | Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KZN, Eastern Cape, Limpopo & North West | Arts, Culture and Heritage | – Initiation sport & fitness activities for youth with intellectual disabilities – Assist coaches in organising games and other events – Maintain school grounds, develop school vegetable gardens – Provide after school support – Training in SOSA Young Athletes Programme | 2 000 |
| Community Chest Western Cape (CCWC) | Eastern Cape & Western Cape | Learner Support, Social Support and Care, Community Works | – Learner Support – Social Support & Care – Community Works | 2 000 |
| Cricket South Africa | National | Sports and Recreation, Learner Support | – Administrators – Groundskeepers – Tutors – Security Personnel – Club & School Coaches Access to Learner Support Programmes in Mathematics, Science, and English | 2 000 |
| Kwetso Foundation | Gauteng, Mpumalanga & North West | Learner Support and Community works, Revitalisation and Greening | – Art programmes | 2 000 |
| Lulwazi Lwethu | Western Cape | Circular Economy (waste management), Food Nutrition and Community Development | – Skills development – Experiential learning | 2 000 |
| Seriti Institute | National | Early Childhood Development, Food Security and Nutrition | – Short courses in digital technology – Teaching assistants – Home-based caring – Homework club care – Greening initiatives – Food and nutrition support | 2 000 |
| South African Associations of Youth Clubs | Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, North West, Gauteng, Limpopo, KZN, Mpumalanga & Free State | Food Security, Learner Support | – Partnering with local youth organisations and young community leaders to learn social and practical skills. – Take part in skills development & mentorship programmes | 2 000 |
| Sports for Social Change | National | Sport and Recreation, Arts, Culture and Entertainment | – Child caregiver networkers – Caregiver trainers – Conduct ECD awareness & child nutrition campaigns – Start reading circles & workshops within community | 2 000 |
| Spotlite Education Foundation | KZN & Gauteng | Skills Support Programme | – Learner support – Revitalisation and greening – Community work | 2 000 |
| Youth Life SA | Gauteng, North West, KZN, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, Limpopo, Free State & Eastern Cape | Digital Mapping | – Mapping – Surveys – Assist in developing business plans | 2 000 |
The first phase of the NYS programme was a success, producing a group of individuals who have gone on to become entrepreneurs with the skills they learned through the initiative.
23-year-old Nicholas Hlabane from Baloyi Village in Limpopo completed his community service at Matome Malatji High School. With his NYS stipend, Nicholas purchased equipment to open his own internet café. He also set up an online studio where he hosts his own podcast.
Abel Baloyi, a 31-year-old from Witten, Limpopo, used his skills and stipend acquired from the NYS programme to purchase a lawn mower and start his own grass-cutting and yard cleaning service. With business thriving, he currently employs two other young people in his community.
The NYS, together with its partners, are hosting roadshows across the country with the aim of encouraging the youth to apply for the programme. The first roadshow took place on the 21st of November, at Letlhabile Community Hall in the North West. On the 23rd of November the team was welcomed by a vibrant community of young people in De Aar, Northern Cape where they further presented the opportunities NYS has to offer.
The roadshow hits the Free State today at Thaba Nchu Civic Centre and will be wrapped up in the Eastern Cape on the 30th of November 2023 at Jakes Gerwel Multipurpose Centre, Somerset East.
Asanda Luwaca, the Executive Chairperson of the NYDA, urges the South African Youth to apply for the NYS programme. “The National Youth Service is an opportunity for young people to serve their country through building their communities and bettering themselves. It is an opportunity for young people to grow, gain skills and increase their employability for absorption into longer term opportunities.”
Those looking to apply can visit the SAYouthmobi site on https://sayouth.mobi/Home/Index/EN, and once registered, search for “NYS” and follow the instructions on the opportunity card. Applications close on 29 November 2023.
SAYouthmobi is a platform that is zero-rated, so it does not consume or require data. Alternatively, those interested can visit their nearest NYDA office to apply.
– CAJ News
