As part of its continued commitment to South Africa’s youth, MultiChoice Group has extended its partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES) to assist with the recruitment and training of 300 learners.
Started by President Cyril Ramaphosa three years ago, the YES initiative calls on business to help the government create critical work experience for unemployed youth who would otherwise have had limited opportunities for employment across the country.
This is the second year that MultiChoice has taken in a cohort of learners as part of the programme. Last year the partnership resulted in the creation of 400 new job opportunities. In addition, MultiChoice also created 100 sports coaching learnerships through its Let’s Play initiative. The two partnerships equated to a total investment of R50 million towards putting 500 South African youth to work.
As part of the programme this year the learners, who have been recruited across all nine provinces, will receive work readiness training with MultiChoice and MultiChoice will also provide each of them with a stipend. Following the training, each of the 300 learners will receive employment opportunities, either with MultiChoice or externally.
“The main objective for this program is to create work opportunities for youth who have previously not been afforded the opportunity. It is our contribution to responding to youth unemployment in a meaningful way that impacts our communities.”
Joe Heshu Group Director for Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice.
The program is split into learnerships and internships. There are 75 TVET college students who will receive internships across a diversified portfolio that includes HR, Finance, Marketing, Law, and IT.
The remaining 225 places are prioritised for learnerships in the ICT space for matriculants and others with qualifications but who are not working.
These learnerships will focus on:
- 3D Animation and Visual Effects
- Television and Radio production
- Interactive Media
- System development
- End-user design
- Telecommunications
- Business Analysis
- Technology database development
MultiChoice is a keen supporter of South Africa’s youth and already makes a conscious effort to tell stories that affect young people today, with DStv shows like The River and reality show Becoming actively spotlighting these issues. And, through the MultiChoice Talent Factory, they equip young film and television students with skills and knowledge to tell their own stories.
“MultiChoice has long been an advocate for South Africa’s youth, providing mentorship opportunities and a platform for young people to tell their stories. This year we have deepened our commitment to the youth and through partnerships such as the one with YES we hope to continue to have a meaningful impact in the lives of young South Africans.”
Joe Heshu Group Director for Corporate Affairs, MultiChoice.
