Exxaro and YES partnership creates opportunities for SA youth – also in Delmas area
“We have committed to implementing life-changing positive impact within our host communities through strengthening our partnership with the YES programme and other stakeholders within our communities.”
Since the inception of Exxaro Resources’ partnership with the Youth Employment Services (YES) programme last year, 259 youths had job opportunities in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
According to Exxaro, a diversified mining and renewable energy solutions company, given the risk and opportunities inherent in the communities where it operates, its human rights policy identified the right to equal opportunities and transformation as key areas of potential impact related to human rights.
Exxaro further stated that, according to Statistics South Africa, the youth unemployment rate rose to 61% during the fourth quarter of last year when measuring jobseekers between 15 and 21 years old.
Based on these figures, Exxaro continuously looks for ways to lessen youth unemployment by upskilling the youth around its operations.
“We have committed to implementing life-changing positive impact within our host communities through strengthening our partnership with the YES programme and other stakeholders in our communities,” said Tebogo Leepile, the community development manager at Exxaro.
According to Exxaro, 209 youth were enrolled last year from within their Mpumalanga domain, which included Delmas, Kriel, Witbank and Middelburg.
“The YES programme, LulaRides and SME Tax provided employment opportunities for 259 youth in 2022. Our goal is to get these young participants to a state of financial independence,” Leepile said.
“Once the training is complete, the individuals are assigned to Mr Delivery and Uber EATS for practical experience,” Leepile continued.
Sizwe Nene, a LulaRides programme participant, shared, “Exxaro and LulaRides changed my life. I learnt to be an independent worker, and I can provide for my family.”
Nene advised young individuals to associate themselves with Exxaro and the LulaRides programmes.
“The Yes programme is a life-changing opportunity.”
On the other hand, Benjamin Ratlabyane, a YES4Youth participant enrolled in the SME Tax initiative, said, “The partnership between Exxaro and YES4Youth helped me a lot because it allowed me to learn a new skill.
“I think it is good for companies and the government to be in partnership to give young people, like myself, a chance at a traineeship which gives me experience and skills in something that can get me future employment.”
Leepile said the community and youth’s responses to the programmes were overwhelmingly positive.
“It gives the youth hope for a better and brighter future. We will continue to inspire change and development in all the communities in which we operate.”
