MR PRICE FOUNDATION AND ZAPPER TEAM UP TO TACKLE YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
- BEE NEWS
- Feb 17, 2025
- 2 min read
Terri-Ann Brouwers | 15 February 2025
Donations will benefit three youth empowerment programmes.
A collaboration between Mr Price Foundation and digital payment platform Zapper aims to combat South Africa’s pressing youth unemployment crisis. The partnership will drive donations and awareness for the Hope4Youth campaign, which equips young people with skills and economic opportunities.
The initiative leverages Zapper’s digital payment technology, making it easier for individuals and businesses to contribute. Users can scan a QR code to donate directly to Mr Price Foundation, a non-profit founded by the Mr Price Group two decades ago.
The group noted that since its inception, Mr Price Foundation has focused on empowering South African youth, particularly those aged 15-34, with an unemployment rate of 45.5%. A shortage of quality education, limited skills development, and sluggish economic growth continue to fuel this crisis. Expanding initiatives like Hope4Youth have become increasingly urgent.
“Through our partnership with Zapper, we have the chance to accelerate our programmes and rapidly extend our reach to more young people,” said Mr Price Foundation executive director Octavius Phukubye.
“If every Zapper user and merchant contribute a small donation, we can drive a monumental shift for youth economic inclusion and economic growth aspirations,” he added.
How donations support youth development
Funds will support three key youth empowerment programmes: JumpStart, UpLift, and EduRise. These initiatives focus on equipping young South Africans with critical skills and work opportunities.
Established in 2015, JumpStart has trained more than 57 500 young people, with more than 33 000 securing employment. In the past year alone, 7 252 unemployed youth were trained, and 90% found jobs in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and tourism.
UpLift, which fosters entrepreneurship, assisted 154 young business owners last year.
The programme helps small businesses scale across retail, recycling, and technology industries.
EduRise focuses on improving literacy, numeracy, and entrepreneurial skills. In 2024, it benefited over 25 000 learners across 40 underprivileged primary schools, addressing foundational education challenges.
How is technology driving change?
“At Zapper, we’re on a mission to use our technology not only to facilitate transactions but to drive meaningful social change. By creating a platform where donations can flow effortlessly into the Foundation’s proven youth development programmes, we’re making it easier than ever for our community to support South Africa’s youth,” said Zapper CEO Mike Bryer.
Since launching in 2014, Zapper has grown to serve more than a million customers and has access to an additional 15 million users through partner apps. The company aims to raise R500 000 for Hope4Youth by the end of 2025.
The app will promote the campaign through push notifications and geo-targeted messaging, encouraging national participation.
“This is the power of partnership,” said Phukubye. “Every donation unlocks opportunities for a brighter future. Through skills development, we can ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.”
‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.