President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the positive impact of the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI). These programms have provided employment opportunities to more than 1.7 million people since their introduction in October 2020.
While acknowledging the programme's success, Ramaphosa emphasised the need to improve the quality of participant experiences and the social value created within communities. This includes developing both "soft skills" gained through work experience and more formal training.
The Presidential Youth Employment Interventions approach to skills development focuses on demand-led skilling, which is about increasing the relevance and delivery of interventions that address current skills gaps and emerging needs.
The president explained that several government departments and organisations are collaborating to achieve the goals of the PEYI.
The Department of Higher Education has established "demand-led skilling workstreams" in key growth sectors. In addition, the PYEI partnered with the National Skills Fund to launch a R300 million "Jobs Boost" program. This initiative aims to train and place 4,500 young people from marginalised communities in quality, sustainable jobs.
The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, in partnership with the National Skills Fund, has also launched [the] Jobs Boost, a R300 million outcomes fund that will fund implementing organisations to skill 4 500 marginalised young people and place them in sustainable, quality job
Ramaphosa believes the groundwork laid by these initiatives will significantly contribute to reducing poverty, unemployment and inequality in South Africa.
Increasing The Programme’s Budget
Deputy President Paul Mashatile revealed that R7.4 billion has been set aside to continue the PYEI. The deputy president was answering questions at the National Council of Provinces in Cape Town last week.
Thus far the presidential employment initiative has assisted 1.7 million people through a combination of job creation job retention and income and skills support interventions
Mashatile also spoke about the importance of the SAYouth platform. SAYouth is a free and zero-rated national platform that connects talented and engaged work seekers to various opportunities.
The platform connects youth to the YES programme, Full-time jobs, Part-time jobs, Learnerships, Volunteering and learning opportunities.
Unisa Partners With PYEI
The University of South Africa (Unisa) has revealed it will be partnering with the Department of Higher Education and Training to participate in the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative.
Unisa's Eastern Cape Region is offering graduates valuable work experience to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills.
The six-month PYEI graduate workplace internship programme will aim to provide Unisa graduates with relevant work experience in their respective fields of study. The university believes this will enhance their employability.
Recognising the benefits of the programme, Unisa’s Eastern Cape region will be extending the programme by six months. They explain that interns will have a full one-year placement allowing them to gain valuable experience.
