As the country grapples with unemployment and government works on long-term solutions, it would be amiss to ignore the notable difference that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) is making.
Who better to make note of that difference than President Cyril Ramaphosa himself as he visited different stakeholders in the country’s capital, Pretoria, to interact directly with youth beneficiaries, educators, and implementing partners of the PYEI in different industries.
One of its key pillars, the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), has already offered work experience to nearly two million young people across more than 20 000 schools nationwide since its inception in 2020.
As Phase V gets underway, the BEEI attracted more than 1.9 million applicants who were vying for just over 204,000 positions. This is an indicator of both the scale of youth unemployment and the popularity of the programme.
President Ramaphosa has hailed school assistants as “shapers of destinies,” emphasizing the vital role that they play in shaping South Africa’s future.
“Your dedication brings hope to every child stepping into the classroom,” President Ramaphosa told the newly appointed education assistants during his visit to Sefako Makgatho Primary School in Sausville, Pretoria.
The President used this school visit to observe the classroom environment, interact with learners, and engage directly with education assistants. He has described the entire PYEI as South Africa’s most comprehensive effort to address youth unemployment which aims to bridge the gap between learning and earning.
“We are working very hard to create more permanent positions for you across the economy. But even while government addresses long-term solutions, programmes like this one are making a tangible difference today,” he said.
While acknowledging the tough economic climate, he affirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“We are a government that is trying everything. Even if the economy is not performing as we wish, I am proud to work with Ministers and Deputy Ministers who take job creation very seriously,” he said.
Addressing the newly employed youth, the President concluded with a message of encouragement and recognition,
“You are part of a national effort. What you are doing is so important, and I want to applaud you.”
The BEEI forms part of the broader Presidential Employment Stimulus, launched in response to the socioeconomic challenges worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing short-term employment and valuable work experience, the initiative aims to increase young people’s chances of long-term employability.With millions of young South Africans eager to contribute and succeed, the continued success of programmes like the PYEI is not just a policy matter, but a national imperative.