South Africa’s unemployed youth have another opportunity on the table. The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has opened applications for 100,000 paid positions through Phase V of its National Youth Service (NYS) programme.
Launched alongside the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), the initiative gives young people the chance to earn an income while gaining valuable real-world experience. Participants will be involved in community projects, build workplace skills, develop leadership abilities and improve their chances of finding employment or pursuing further education and training.
NYDA Board Executive Chairperson Dr Sunshine Myende said the programme is about creating opportunities that go beyond temporary work.
Participants, she explained, will gain “practical workplace exposure”, “civic and leadership experience” and “skills development opportunities”, while also contributing to improving their own communities.
The agency added that the programme is focused on inclusion, ensuring that young people who often face barriers to opportunities are not left behind.
This includes persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ youth, young people from rural areas and other historically marginalised groups.
According to the NYDA, the initiative forms part of wider efforts to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young people with the experience and skills needed to improve their prospects.
Participants will have access to:
- Paid service opportunities
- Skills development
- Community impact and service experience
- Practical work experience
- A pathway towards a career
Applications are open to:
- Unemployed young South Africans
- Young people from all nine provinces
Young people interested in applying can register through the SAYouth.mobi platform.
