WeeklySA_AdminBenefit: The international youth foundation has programmes that benefits nearly 7,7 million youths in about 100 countries
By Isaac Moledi
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) South Africa, in collaboration with the diamond giant, De Beers Group, recently celebrated their milestones achievement of their joint efforts of empowering the youth in Polokwane, Limpopo province to substantially improve their socio-economic prospects including their skills via the IYF’s Skills 4 Life (S4L) programme.
The IYF, a global non-profit organisation with programmes directly benefiting 7.7 million young people in more than 100 countries, launched the S4L initiative to strengthen teaching and learning in public
TVET colleges in South Africa. This, says Anusha Naicker, IYF SA Country Director, aligns with IYF South Africa’s mission to support government and industry in enhancing the quality of training systems that economically empower young South Africans.
The primary goal of the S4L initiative, according to Naicker, is to support the TVET college system to better prepare young women and men with the life skills and industry-relevant technical competencies needed for academic and workforce success. The IYF equips TVET college lecturers with the tools required to assist them in making classes more engaging, together with the required transition from traditional, rote-style learning, to dynamic active teaching approaches.
Naicker highlighted the profound impact that IYF’s collaboration with De Beers Group has had in expanding the project’s reach and advancing its objectives of skills development among the youth of the province. She acknowledged also the pivotal roles played by other key stakeholders, including the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Capricorn TVET College, Vhembe TVET Colleges, and IYF’s recently established accreditation partner, the Association for Skills Development in South Africa (ASDSA).
She expressed gratitude for the invaluable contributions made by each stakeholder. “IYF is eager to welcome new collaborators and partners to join their mission. The journey is far from over; every transformed life fuels community empowerment and contributes to a more prosperous and sustainable national economy, benefiting us all.”
Tebogo Mogale of Capricorn TVET College and Olga Lambani of Vhembe TVET College both underscored the substantial and invaluable impact of the IYF/De Beers S4L programme at the respective colleges. Mogale emphasized the programme’s pivotal role in enhancing students’ soft skills, essential for gaining employment and fostering entrepreneurship.
Lambani lauded the transformative nature of the programme, noting its interactive learning environment, comprehensive workshops and networking opportunities that contribute to personal growth and self-awareness.
The lecturer capacitation programme, guided by passionate and knowledgeable trainers, not only imparts practical skills but also charts a clear path towards future success. Importantly, the entrepreneurial training programme extends beyond life skills to teaching critical thinking and problemsolving, fostering strong workplace relationships and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Patricia Nemalili, Acting Director: Limpopo TVETs, emphasised the significant impact achieved through the partnership with IYF/De Beers, noting that, while the current collaboration covers two out of seven colleges in Limpopo, there is a heartfelt plea and hope from the DHET for the programme to extend to the remaining five colleges in the province.
Nemalili believes that the remarkable achievement of 1,229 learner placements over two years stands out as a notable success in a region where DHET faced challenges, reflecting the positive influence of the programme within the colleges.
Achieving and exceeding placement targets has been made possible through the support of IYF, further underscoring the programme’s effectiveness.
The training encompassed IYF’s Passport to Success for Life Skills and Effective Teaching methodologies, as well as a new focus group of lecturers specialising in Business Advisory Level 6 training. These initiatives are designed to empower and equip lecturers with the skills required to enhance the employability and overall capabilities of the youth in Limpopo. CEO of ASDA, Sharon van den
Heever, reaffirmed their commitment to rectifying historical injustices by promoting equal access to employment and skills opportunities for all. The event was marked with tremendous enthusiasm as van den Heever proudly presented Naicker with a Certificate of Stakeholder Registration, recognising the official launch of the partnership with IYF as a valued Stakeholder of the ASDSA for the CPD accreditation of the Skills 4 Life training programmes.
According to Van den Heever, the partnership signifies a significant step in the pursuit of equitable opportunities and skill development for all individuals.
Recognising the essential role of entrepreneurs in South Africa’s SMME economy, IYF and its partners have adopted a dual approach within the Skills 4 Life programme.
While the curriculum is tailored to enhance the employability of South African youth, it also strives to instil an entrepreneurial mindset, unveiling post-graduate opportunities beyond traditional employment.
BUSINESS MUST LEAD EFFORTS TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOB-SEEKING MATRICULANTS
Build: A talent pipeline must be built to feed their needs and strengthen the broader workforce in sa
By Isaac Moledi
The empowerment of the future workforce would depend on corporate South Africa’s vital role in skills development, says the Managing Director of EduPower Skills Academy, Rajan Naidoo.
“The role that the private sector plays in the absorption of matriculants is critical. While a few companies may choose to hire high school graduates directly into entry-level roles, others will offer learnerships, allowing matriculants and unemployed individuals to develop their skills before entering the workplace.”
Naidoo says as the Matric Class of 2023 concludes their school career, how companies decide to implement their skills development initiatives may be the defining factor that determines some of these young people’s career prospects and future.
“Learnerships are a part of the critical role that the private sector plays in shaping skills development in South Africa. A valuable bridge between education and employment, learnerships are structured training programmes that provide both theoretical knowledge and work experience, leading to nationally recognised accredited qualifications.”
According to Naidoo, when candidates enrol in a learnership they enter into a three-way, symbiotic partnership. “Companies provide financial support and guidance in developing learnerships, while training providers deliver the actual training. This triad is completed by the learners who are the direct beneficiaries, as they will gain knowledge and skills.”
Naidoo notes that the sponsorship of learnerships is becoming increasingly popular with organisations as they can be leveraged in various ways to maintain corporate competitiveness. He outlines the top five reasons contributing to its appeal:
- Building a Talent Pipeline.
One of the key benefits of learnerships for businesses is the ability to build a talent pipeline.
By participating in the design and implementation of training programmes, companies can tailor the curriculum and work experience to match their requirements and even their company culture. This results in a pool of skilled, job-ready candidates who are well-versed in the company’s operations, systems and values.” By building this organisational capacity, Naidoo says businesses can reduce recruitment costs and shorten the time it takes to onboard and train new employees.
- Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Points.
Learnerships can play a significant role in helping companies earn B-BBEE points. By participating in skills development and training initiatives such as learnerships for unemployed individuals and people with disabilities, companies can earn the maximum points available under skills development. This, in turn, enhances their overall B-BBEE status, making them more attractive partners for government and corporate contracts. - Brand reputation.
Investing in skills development through learnerships is not just about meeting government requirements. It also positively impacts a company’s brand reputation. When a business is perceived as committed to empowering its workforce and the broader community, it gains a competitive edge. For instance: - Attracting Top Talent: Companies that offer opportunities for skills development and career advancement tend to attract and retain top talent as employee satisfaction levels rise when a company invests in their growth.
- Employee Morale: Seeing their company investing in learnerships and contributing to community and societal progress, can boost overall employee morale and pride.
- Social Responsibility: Investing in learnerships demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, a value which not only resonates with employees in terms of company culture but customers too, who may prefer to support organisations with community-focused initiatives.
- Positive Image: Being actively involved in Skills Development programmes can deliver positive media coverage, boosting a company’s reputation as a responsible and caring organition. “The class of 2023, like those before them, will face a dynamic and competitive job market. Their ability to adapt, grow and thrive within this evolving landscape will depend in no small part on the opportunities provided by the private sector. By embracing and offering learnerships, busnesses become architects of these opportunities, building a talent pipeline that feeds their needs and, in the process, strengthens the broader workforce and the social and economic wellbeing of our nation.’’
