Unemployed South African youth aged 18-35 can now apply for community-based service opportunities under the National Youth Service Programme Phase V, with applications officially open nationwide.

The recruitment drive, coordinated through SA Youth and the National Youth Development Agency, targets young people not in education, employment or training.

Participants will earn a stipend while gaining skills and experience through meaningful community work across all nine provinces.

A skills workshop was held on June 10 at the Naturena Community Centre. Participants learned about community initiatives, including clean-ups, feeding programmes and various skills development programmes.

Job overview and duration:

Selected participants will be involved in community activities that support national development while building personal growth.

The programme runs for six months or 384 hours total.

Participants will work 64 hours per month and receive R24.18 per hour, which equates to R1547 per month in stipend pay.

Applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen with a valid ID

• Be between 18 and 35 years old

• Live within the local municipality or community where the programme site is located

• Be able to travel easily to the implementing partner site

• Have not participated in previous phases of the programme

• Be able to contribute positively to the community and complete the programme to a high standard

• Preference will be given to unemployed youth not in education, employment or training.

• People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Community service activities:

Opportunities include work in: Sports and recreation, community works, revitalisation and greening, learner support programmes, early childhood development, food security and nutrition, arts, culture and entertainment, social support services, solidarity and care, surveys and digital mapping, and youth voter education.

How to apply:

The process:

1. Register on https://sayouth.mobi – takes about 4 minutes

2. If already registered, log in with existing details

3. NYS opportunities nearest to your address will appear

4. Follow the instructions on the opportunity card and apply

Applications are free and require no data, and applicants can apply via https://sayouth.me/NYS.

Make sure your SA Youth CV is complete before applying.

If no opportunities show, search “NYS” in the search box.

Call the SA Youth support-line on 0800 72 72 72, toll-free, Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 14:30.
The number can also be saved to start a WhatsApp chat 24/7.

Youth can also visit any NYDA Centre for registration assistance.

The National Youth Service Programme is implemented under the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.