In our latest annual report, co-chairs Stephen Koseff and Colin Coleman note that South Africa is at a turning point. The key to unlocking its potential lies in collaboration between the public, private, and civil society sectors. It’s not just about hope—it’s about turning hope into action. Private sector participation is crucial to addressing our unemployment crisis. By investing in youth employment through YES, companies aren't just ticking a compliance box; they’re driving meaningful social upliftment and ensuring long-term stability. With R8.8 billion already injected into the economy through YES Youth salaries, imagine the impact if every business—big or small—took on just one YES Youth. Together, we can tackle unemployment and secure South Africa’s future. #SayYES. Join the movement. Turn hope into action. More here: https://bit.ly/3XVCcQO #Business #Innovation #YouthEmployment #YouthEmpowerment Ravi Naidoo
Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa
Non-profit Organizations
Johannesburg, Gauteng 404,204 followers
Transforming companies, communities and youth lives by connecting youth to economic opportunity.
About us
Transforming companies, communities and youth lives by connecting youth to economic opportunity and dignity and together, building a future that works.
- Website
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https://www.yes4youth.co.za
External link for Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 2017
- Specialties
- Job Creation, Youth Employment, Inclusive business, community focus, and tech driven
Locations
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Primary
100 Grayston Dr
Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA
Employees at Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa
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Malcolm MacDonald
Digitally Transformed CIO and Startup Co-Founder.
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Lehlohonolo Matabane
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Leanne Emery-Hunter
Chief Operating Officer at Youth Employment Service (YES)
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Zaid Patel (eMBA)
Head: Business Integration. Note! All posts shared do not represent my current/former employers and are my own views and opinions.
Updates
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Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa reposted this
We have the pleasure today of sharing with you the latest Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa annual report https://lnkd.in/dnPAAd_R As the Co-Chairman of YES, Stephen Koseff and I, say, "As we reflect on the past financial year, we are proud of the progress made by YES. Having created 37,092 one-year paid youth work experiences, this year has been our best so far–despite the depressed economic conditions. Over the past ten years, with average GDP growth of around 1% per annum, South Africans are victims of a declining GDP per capita. Our official unemployment rate has climbed to 33%. South Africa’s $ GDP is lower today than it was in 2011, whilst our population has grown by six million people. This is the shocking backdrop in which YES operates. To improve our economic outlook...we must solve our energy, logistics, crime and infrastructure challenges as a necessary precondition for higher growth. Yet this is still insufficient for our economy to create sufficient jobs to sustainably lower unemployment. It needs to be supported by business-friendly economic policies that attract...investment. We need a significant increase in economic growth well beyond 3% to make a meaningful dent in the number of the unemployed and to offset the number of new entrants into the economy, estimated at 500,000 a year. Against that backdrop, our over 156,000 internships created since YES' launch may feel inconsequential, but we have to remind ourselves that every placement makes a huge difference to that life. YES is the largest 12-month, full-time employment programme, and has injected R7.7 billion into the economy through youth salaries alone....but, in order to create an even greater impact, we need the economy to significantly improve." Looking ahead, we conclude in the Chairman's statement: "We believe that South Africa is at an exciting crossroads. As we partner with the seventh administration of our country....we are cautiously optimistic about the years that lie ahead...once we see a return of economic confidence, foreign investors will reconsider South Africa an attractive destination....this in turn will have a knock-on effect, the appreciation of our currency, a decrease in inflation and the cost of capital. We urge more private sector companies to join the YES initiative. By participating, businesses can significantly contribute to a brighter future for all South Africans. Together, we can transform hope into action, driving the growth and prosperity our nation so desperately needs." ENDS For the full Chairman's statement see https://lnkd.in/deNFZFCZ Seen in the images below, we honour our President Cyril Ramaphosa who joined us to launch YES in 2018, and whose administration has provided constant support, and the late Pravin Gordhan, who was our inspiration.
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Celebrating corporate heroes 🙌🏾. Yesterday, YES, South Africa’s largest private-sector led jobs initiative, celebrated companies driving the “S” in ESG through youth employment at the YES ESG Awards held at ESG Africa Conference. Top YES Youth Jobs Contributors included Nedbank, TFG (The Foschini Group), Mercedes-Benz, Shoprite, and BMW South Africa. PG Group (Pty) Ltd and Babcock International Group - Africa were recognised for their long-term commitment, while Hatfield Holdings South Africa, Barron Trading Group Inc, and Bidfood South Africa won in the Employment Equity (EE) category. Sanlam led the way for sector leadership for Youth4Tourism, and Anglo American South Africa and MultiChoice Group received Exceptional Contribution to ESG awards. YES CEO, Ravi Naidoo commended the winners for their vision of empowering South Africa’s youth and building a brighter future for all. #SayYES. Join the movement. Here's how: https://bit.ly/3WUJWSs #Business #Innovation #ESG #SDG
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🌍 Building a brighter future. Yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched phase two of the Government-Business Partnership. He emphasised the urgency of creating more job opportunities for youth, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships: "Through initiatives like YES, we've created over 155,000 work placements for unemployed youth." The President then urged more companies to step up, noting that nearly half of the businesses at the launch had already joined the movement 🙌🏾. More here: https://bit.ly/3Bx30zy #SayYES. Join the movement. Double the impact of YES. Here's how: https://bit.ly/3WUJWSs. #Business #Innovation #YouthEmployment The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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Prioritising mental fitness🧠. October is #MentalHealthMonth - the perfect time to highlight the importance of a healthy mind for youth entering the job market. The transition into employment can be overwhelming, and without support, it can lead to burnout, low productivity, and strained relationships. By prioritising mental fitness, youth can manage stress, build resilience, and thrive in their roles while maintaining a balanced life. All active YES Youth can access #YESMindfulMatters, a free online support service designed to guide youth in reaching their full potential. We're not just creating jobs—we're building a mentally fit workforce ready to bring fresh energy and ideas to your business. It’s a win-win! #SayYES. Join the movement. Here's how: https://bit.ly/3WUJWSs #MentalFitness #YouthEmpowerment #YouthEmployment
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YES is a proud partner of this year's ESG Africa Conference, happening from 1 to 2 October 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre. The ESG Africa Conference brings together industry pioneers and experts to tackle the challenges of embedding ESG practices within organisations. The theme, “Sustainable Future Through Leadership,” highlights leaders' critical role in aligning their organizations with ESG principles. Book your tickets and use our partner code "OCLBC59B" for 10% off: https://bit.ly/3ySKuAx. #SayYES. Join the movement. Shape a sustainable future. #ESG #ESGAfricaConference2024 #SustainableBusiness #Innovation
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Welcoming the GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science) as proud sponsor of the #YESTop35Under35 event, in partnership with Daily Maverick. 🙌🏾 A big thank you for helping make this celebration a success! Your support is valuable in honouring the achievements of our Top 35 YES Alumni. Together, we’re empowering youth and building a brighter future. #SayYES. Learn more about the event here: https://bit.ly/3MHrx7b. Stay tuned for more event highlights. #YESTop35Under35 #YESDailyMaverick #YESGameChangers #TheFutureOfChange
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Driving sustainable change. YES CEO Ravi Naidoo is set to join the 2024 ESG Africa Conference. As a featured speaker, Ravi will share insights on “Value Chains and SMMEs,” highlighting their role in building sustainable futures. YES is proud to partner with the ESG Africa Conference again at the Sandton Convention Centre from 1 to 2 October 2024. This event brings together industry leaders to explore how ESG can improve organisations. Don’t miss out – book your tickets today and get a 10% discount with our partner code "OCLBC59B": https://bit.ly/3ySKuAx. #SayYES. Be part of the movement. Shape a sustainable future 🌍. Here's how: https://bit.ly/3WUJWSs. #Business #Innovation #GreenJobs #SMMEs #GreenMovement #YouthJobs
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Celebrating a golden win! 🥇 Our PR agency, ByDesign South Africa, took home Gold at the 2024 PRISM Awards for their exceptional work with YES in the “Thought Leadership Profiling” category. This award reflects the power of our partnership, driving incredible work that showcases YES’s mission. Thank you to By Design Communications for championing YES and our youth – your support has been truly world-class! 🙌🏾 #SayYES. Read more about our journey together here: https://bit.ly/3XHlB2W #PRISMAwards #ThoughtLeadership #YouthEmpowerment Ravi Naidoo, Leanne Emery-Hunter, Simona Mazza, Kevin Welman, Karli Smilkstein (Stock), Nhlalenhle Dlangalala.
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Cleared for takeoff! ✈️ Airlink joins the #YESTop35Under35 event as an official sponsor in partnership with Daily Maverick. Thanks to their support, our Top 35 YES Alumni from across South Africa 🇿🇦 will fly in style, ensuring their journeys to success are as smooth as the flight itself. #SayYES. Learn more about the event here: https://bit.ly/3MHrx7b. Stay tuned for more highlights. #YESTop35Under35 #YESDailyMaverick #YESGameChangers #TheFutureOfChange #Airlink #FlyAirlink #Skybucks