Youth unemployment is one of South Africa's biggest challenges, and a number of national programmes exist specifically to connect young people with work experience, training and jobs. Registering with them costs nothing and puts your profile in front of opportunities you might not find on your own.
SAYouth.mobi
SAYouth.mobi is the national platform for young job seekers, part of the government's Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. You create a profile once and are matched with opportunities — jobs, learnerships, training and volunteering — from many partners. The site is designed to work on a basic phone and has been zero-rated on major mobile networks, so browsing it does not use your data.
Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
Harambee is a non-profit that connects young people who are not in work, education or training with employers looking for entry-level talent. It focuses on helping first-time job seekers become work-ready and matching them with suitable roles.
YES (Youth Employment Service)
The YES programme is a business-led initiative in which companies create twelve-month paid work experiences for young people. For many participants, it is the first formal job on their CV, and it comes with a reference at the end.
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
The NYDA supports young people through skills development, career guidance and support for young entrepreneurs, including business development programmes.
Public employment programmes
Government programmes such as the Expanded Public Works Programme and placements in schools and communities offer short-term paid work. They do not always lead to permanent jobs, but they provide income, experience and references.
How to get the most out of these programmes
- Complete your profile fully — qualifications, skills, location and the type of work you want. Matching depends on it.
- Keep your contact details current, and answer calls and messages from unknown numbers during your search; opportunities are often time-sensitive.
- Take short courses offered through the platforms. Free certificates in computer skills, customer service or work readiness strengthen a first CV.
- Accept short placements. Even a three-month placement gives you experience and a referee.
- Watch for scams. Genuine programmes never ask you to pay. If anyone claims to be able to place you for a fee, read our guide to job scams.
Keep building while you wait
Registering on a platform is a start, not the whole plan. Keep applying directly for posts, volunteer, and update your CV with every new skill. Our guides to a CV with no experience and learnerships and internships will help.