Deputy Minister Kenneth Morolong: A Champion for Youth Employment in South Africa

In South Africa, a majority of young people leaving secondary school struggle to find employment or pursue higher education. Recognizing this issue, Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenneth Morolong, is spearheading the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) to address this urgent challenge.

PYEI: A Multi-Stakeholder Partnership for Youth Employment

Launched in 2020, the PYEI is a multi-stakeholder partnership aimed at transitioning young people from education to employment. The program focuses on the needs of youths and utilizes proven strategies to facilitate their transition into the economy. These strategies include pathway management, skills development in growing sectors, support for local economies and youth enterprises, and temporary earning opportunities through paid community service.

Leveraging Strengths to Create Pathways for Youth Employment

The PYEI is a coordinated effort among government institutions and social partners to provide more pathways for young people to earn a living. The Presidency’s Project Management Office (PMO) oversees the efforts of various national departments and entities, each contributing to creating opportunities for the youth to actively participate in the economy with dignity and a sense of agency.

Progress Made So Far

The National Pathway Management Network, a critical component of PYEI, now reaches over 4 million young people. By connecting this platform to others, like the Department of Employment and Labour’s Employment Services South Africa (ESSA), the network offers access to a wide range of opportunities across all partners.

Since launching, the PYEI has provided over 1 million earning opportunities to young people through initiatives like the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the revitalized National Youth Service, and private sector efforts such as the Youth Employment Service. Success stories like Timothy’s demonstrate the value of the program, as he quickly became a top earner after completing the PYEI program.

Addressing Challenges Faced by Young Women

The PYEI also provides targeted assistance to young women through the Basic Package of Support. The package offers face-to-face coaching to help them overcome multiple challenges that keep them trapped in a state of unemployment, education, or training (NEET).

Michaela’s story exemplifies the impact of this intervention, as she secured employment and pursued higher education in Human Resource Management.

Focusing on Sustainable Earning Opportunities

With a strong foundation in place, the PYEI now focuses on transitioning young people into more sustainable earning opportunities. This involves unlocking demand in priority growth sectors and developing effective mechanisms to track their movements through the labor market.

Prioritizing Funding for Long-Term Continuity

The whole-of-society approach to delivery is central to the PYEI partnership and is delivering results. It must be prioritized for funding to scale up its efforts and ensure long-term continuity. The PYEI is restoring hope and dignity for the youth of South Africa by creating pathways to opportunities.