Smelter empowers many unemployed local youths

THANKS to South32’s generosity, hundreds of local youths have been given a life-changing chance to make it in the business world.

Playing a major partnership role in the national Yes4Youth programme, South32 has literally invested millions of rands to provide King Cetshwayo District's young people with opportunities to gain working experience at various business establishments.

They are also gearing them up for entrepreneurial opportunities through training and the provision of equipment.

Statistics show that those who boast the completed year’s training on their CVs, and carry the reference letters, have a three times greater chance of gaining permanent employment.

In terms of experiential experience, this was provided through Youth Health Africa (at clinics) – 145 youth, ORT SA (at schools) – 143 youth, and SME Tax (at small businesses) – 15 youth.

Entrepreneurial opportunities were given at BlossomCare (manufacturing sanitary products) – 6 youth, Wessa (agriculture eco-hubs) – 20 youth, IT Varsity (web development) – 30 youth, Amahle Spa (hair and beauty salon) – 8 youth, LulaRides (delivery services) – 30 youth, SME Tax (financial services)

– 10 youth, Drone programme (training and equipment) – 15 youth, and Solar project (training and equipment) – 6 youth.

Apart from the Yes4Youth helping hand breaking the unemployment cycle, each year South32 provides generous bursary packages that allow matriculants to embark on a university degree without the generally associated financial worries or limitations.