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Jamaine Krige | 16 August 2024 Educating young people for tomorrow requires teaching them new skill sets. To help address South Africa’s skills gap and high youth unemployment, BMW Group has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on an initiative called BRIDGE. The project aims to do just that: to bridge the gap between learning and earning. It focuses on empowering young people by strengthening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across the country, at a time when millions of STEM-related jobs globally are projected to be unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates.  The BRIDGE initiative took centre stage at the latest Mail & Guardian Critical Thinking Forum themed “Educating young people for tomorrow, today”, held in partnership with BMW Group South Africa and UNICEF South Africa on 1 August 2024 in Sandton.  “In this fast-changing world, new skill sets are required, and we must be discussing the balance between hard and soft skills,” said UNICEF Deputy Representative Irfan Akhtar. “Because the skills needed by past generations are not the same skills needed today.”  The event brought together government, education, industry experts and youth advocates to discuss the future of STEM education in the country and engage with the critical challenge of equipping young people with the skills needed for tomorrow’s job market.  BMW Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Tebogo Ramagoshi set the tone for the discussion by outlining the reach and impact of the BRIDGE partnership since its inception in 2023: “This initiative shows that as the private sector, we can be part of the solution, and support the government and organisations like UNICEF to ensure that STEM-skills are embedded from a young age, so that no child is left behind.” She says that over the past year, the BRIDGE partnership has trained over 570 educators from six provinces in coding and robotics: “We have also trained 90 subject specialists from all provinces to support these educators. This has benefited 36 000 learners from 100 schools. By the end of the year, we hope to have reached 50 000 learners. In addition one coding and robotics lab has been established, and four more will be before the end of the year.” STEM skills to bridge the gap  The forum took place against South Africa’s groundbreaking plans to develop a coding and robotics curriculum for learners from a young age. “We are the first country in the world to introduce coding and robotics as an official subject from Grade R,” announced Seliki Tlhabane, Chief Director at the Department of Basic Education (DBE), during the panel discussion. This is significant, considering that globally the sector is worth about $3 billion.  He was joined in conversation by Mbasa Kepe, Head of Government and External Affairs at BMW Group South Africa and Hana Yoshimoto, UNICEF South Africa’s Chief of Education.  Tlhabane explained that the BRIDGE partnership’s goals of strengthening educators’ capacity to deliver STEM education, promoting and improving robotics and coding facilities in schools, and providing access to job shadowing and mentorship opportunities for learners and young people aligned with national plans and the department’s commitment to improving STEM education nationwide. “Technology is not the enemy and should not be seen as a threat,” he emphasised. “It is a resource and an opportunity.”   Future-proofed skills for the workplace of tomorrow He said that while artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation might be new, conversations surrounding future-proofed skills were not. “We have been asking questions about what skills our children might need since the beginning of time, and at the dawn of each new industrial revolution,” he said.  He acknowledged, however, that the pace of change currently experienced was unprecedented in human history: “We need long-term solutions for a fast evolving world. The jobs of tomorrow are driven by technology, and technology, on its own, is a product of STEM. That is why this conversation is critical.” Yoshimoto agreed that improved access to quality STEM education is critical to prepare young people for future work opportunities and nurturing tech-savvy entrepreneurs, especially given South Africa’s stubbornly high unemployment rate of around 35.5%. “STEM education and digital skills development can be used to impact the lives of vulnerable young people, and investing in this is a way to narrow the skills gap and bridge the digital divide,” she emphasised. “STEM is very crucial for the future lives of young people. It is not just for work, it’s for day-to-day lives.”  Balancing skills and opportunities   While the panel acknowledged STEM as a turbo-charger of global economic strength, the discussion also highlighted the importance of balancing technical know-how and essential soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity and collaboration.  This, stressed Yoshimoto, would be critical to help learners navigate social issues and prepare them for a competitive labour market: “The jobs of tomorrow will require not just technical proficiency, but also adaptability, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. By strengthening STEM education and soft skills, we aim to improve the transition from learning to earning, especially for the most vulnerable learners in disadvantaged communities.” A key point of discussion was the need for innovative approaches to ensure equitable access to these educational opportunities, especially for rural learners. Key challenges include a lack of equipment and the cost of new technologies, which become outdated and should be replaced every seven years. To ensure that every child benefits from the new curriculum, the department announced that it is rolling out both “plugged” and “unplugged” coding programmes, the latter of which does not require computers or equipment.  The panellists also explored other solutions like mobile classrooms and public-private partnerships to reach students in all communities, regardless of their socioeconomic background.  Public-private partnerships are key The private sector’s role in bridging the education-employment gap was highlighted by Mbasa Kepe, BMW Group South Africa’s Head of Government and External Affairs: “Our collaboration goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It’s about creating a sustainable workforce and fostering innovation to drive our industry and the broader economy forward. Through this partnership, we address the skills gap while inspiring students from underrepresented groups to pursue STEM careers.” Tlhabane agreed that business also has an important role in “informing the government on what they need and the type of employee they envisage”. These conversations guide curriculum development and ensure work readiness.  All hands on deck  As South Africa grapples with a changing job market, the panellists agreed that the path forward will require a multifaceted approach that encompasses robust curricula, teacher training, industry partnerships and innovative delivery methods. And while the challenges ahead are significant, so is the collective will to overcome them.  This, explained Ramagoshi, is what success would look like: “We will know that this project and this partnership have succeeded when we find ourselves coming together for our yearly robotics and coding competitions and we are met with a room full of learners from both rural and private schools, competing at the same level without visible inequalities, and every child can participate and showcase their skills because they have received the same sort of learning opportunities.”  In the race to prepare for the future of work, ensuring that no child is left behind will require an all-hands-on-deck approach. “To build a bridge requires different materials, stakeholders and expertise; and to bridge this gap we need the same,” Yoshimoto explained. “No one organisation or entity can achieve this alone, and operating in silos is detrimental. South Africa has a rich ecosystem of partners supporting children and young people, but if we work in silos we don’t know how much of an impact we are making.”  Communities are also responsible for safeguarding and protecting educational institutions, resources and equipment, Tlhabane added. These should be viewed as investments in comprehensive, accessible STEM education that have the power to shape the workforce, economy and society of tomorrow: We owe it to South Africa to ensure that we supply the nation with suitably qualified people who will drive the economy, and we owe it to our children to ensure that they’ve got the right skills to survive and thrive going forward.” With continued collaboration between government, international organisations, private sector partners, educational institutions and communities, South Africa is well-positioned to equip its youth for the digital age and the workplace of tomorrow.  ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://mg.co.za/partner-content/2024-08-16-unicef-and-bmw-group-partner-upto-bridge-the-stem-gap/

By McDonald's | 16 August 2024 Valuable work experience is gained in the skills-driven training programme. McDonald’s South Africa (Yes, we’re lovin’ it) and CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training Authority) hosted an inspiring, time-savvy conference about their Skills Development Partnership at “The Hamburger University”, one of only nine in the world McDonald’s training centres, located at the McD’s Head Office in Sandton (Johannesburg) on 13 August 2024.  The joint initiative aims to tackle the scourge of youth unemployment through the recruitment and training of local job seekers between 18-35 years old via workplace-learning (learnerships/entry-level jobs), at McDonald’s franchises around the country. Over 1 646 youth are officially placed in the skills-driven training programme for 18 months, and a guaranteed stipend of R3 500 is paid to these workers excluding extra employee benefits from McDonald’s, should the trainee-employees wish to take shifts after learning periods daily. This allows trainees to earn disposal income which contributes significantly to the economy and their communities. The initial stipend was R2 500, and McDonald’s South Africa topped the figure by another R1 000. This is an impressive win for the nation, as this skills development partnership actively reduces the staggering 60% youth unemployment rate, according to CATHSSETA CEO Marks Thibela. It is just the beginning as plans are underway for the first cohort to graduate in May-July 2025, and another intake will be announced then.  “Our 2030 vision is in action through skills initiatives like this, as it is a high impact programme where 80% absorption rate is estimated.” Thibela boasts that the recruited candidates also earn UIF and Disability Leave, among other worker benefits. CEO of McDonald’s South Africa Greg Solomon gave a compelling keynote address: “Businesses and government need to collaborate to address youth unemployment crisis and skills shortages. We strive to eradicate these socioeconomic issues through three E’s: Education, Exposure and Experience.”  The trainee-workers are empowered with education to learn skills required at the workplace. In this context, they study how to operate a successful restaurant business at one of the top franchises in the country, and in the world (McDonald’s is currently ranked as the top employer as well). The workers enrolled through this skills programme are exposed to the industry via working directly in the hospitality sector as cooks, assistant chefs and barristers, etc. Lastly, these young trainees acquire experience needed in the workplace to be valued human capital in the competitive world of business, as they have to compile a portfolio of evidence (WIL, also known as Work-Integrated Learning).  This ensures that their theoretical and practical knowledge through the experience matches the skills required for a permanent job placement, or even a promotion up in the ranks of corporate SA — utilising their affiliation with McDonald’s as a start in their respective careers they carve. “One of the key priorities is to skill young people. We therefore challenge the private sector to produce skills, as the government can’t be the only player,” said Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training.  He said that young people who are recruited into the programme must take the initiative to showcase their hospitality talents at World Skills, a global event that ranks restaurateurs and other sub-sectors associated with travel and dining. The event is scheduled to take place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on 10-15 September 2024.  Thibela said that there is a budget of R7 million in funding for businesses in the hospitality sector to participate. “Young people should aspire to be job creators rather than job seekers.”  One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Frans Mohlaba (from Tsakane, Soweto) shared his testimony that the workplace learning keeps him fulfilled, and that the stipend has improved his livelihood. Mohlaba brands himself as the next CEO of McDonald’s South Africa. Solomon commented: “Young people have big dreams, and they need to take small steps to get there.” ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://mg.co.za/partner-content/2024-08-16-youth-empowerment-through-the-mcdonalds-south-africa-and-cathsseta-skills-development-partnership/

SA News | 15 August 2024 Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, says the Public Procurement Bill provides the department with an opportunity to advocate and mainstream tangible models and interventions to redress the ongoing socio-economic exclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities. Chikunga commended the significant efforts by President Cyril Ramaphosa after signing into law the Public Procurement Bill last month, which aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of State, with the necessary efficiency, cost-effectiveness and integrity. “As a department, we will be bringing forward tangible interventions through which this legislation will serve to redress the longstanding and ongoing socio-economic exclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities,” Chikunga said. Addressing a dialogue on Women, Democracy and Leadership in South Africa at the University of South Africa (UNISA) on Thursday, Chikunga also commended President Ramaphosa, as the Chairperson of the African Union in 2020, for putting forward a number of recommendations for the advancement of women on the continent, which have been adopted by AU Heads of State. Increase in support for women entrepreneurs Chikunga also acknowledged a surge in the establishment, growth and support of women-owned businesses in key sectors, including energy, tourism, agriculture, the ocean economy, and manufacturing. According to the most recent Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE), South Africa ranks as the second highest country in Africa in terms of its proportion of women-owned businesses and the formal support available for women entrepreneurs. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Women’s Entrepreneurship Report also revealed that women in countries like South Africa are among the most innovative and high-growth entrepreneurs in the world. “There is sufficient evidence that reaffirms the importance of women entrepreneurs in contributing to the overall productivity and transformation of our economy through diversifying industries, innovation, and fostering economic resilience. “In addition, women-owned businesses contribute to the creation of employment opportunities, promote inclusive supply chains, and stimulate local economies,” Chikunga said. Women economic advancement in the Continent Chikunga further underscored the importance of the adoption of the Decade for African Women’s Financial Inclusion and Gender Equality, 2020-2030. “This is a critical initiative for the women of Africa, given that the lack of access to finances hinders their socio-economic progress, and thwarts their ability to have ownership and control over resources such as land, businesses and property,” Chikunga said. She added that women’s access to markets continues to be a challenge for women on the continent, especially access to trade and global markets. The Minister argued that the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) will open doors for global trade and markets for women, and “this is of huge importance to the women in South Africa to leverage on the opportunities this AfCTA promises for the economic empowerment and wealth creation for women in Africa”.“Africa must be Africa’s biggest trading partner and demand for products across the continent offers African women the opportunity to be suppliers to this demand. Joint initiatives of pooling resources in this regard will help grow women businesses, provide the necessary skills and training required for this, and open markets and export trade opportunities,” Chikunga said. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.sanews.gov.za/africa-business-south-africa-world/public-procurement-bill-redress-women-socio-economic-exclusion

BizCommunity | 15 August 2024 Despite growing concerns about the turbulent macroeconomic outlook, the high-interest rate environment and fundraising challenges, Southern Africa’s Private Equity (PE) industry has surged forward. With 2024 being referred to as the ‘ultimate election year’ on both local and global fronts, PE firms were called to navigate their way through a frenzied economic climate in the lead up to voting day and beyond. Still, business sentiment remained positive heading into the new year, with fundraising activity rising to a 13-year high. Consistent rise in fundraising This was one of the key findings of the recently released Savca Private Equity Industry Survey 2024 (measuring the 2023 period), which is conducted annually by the South African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (Savca). The survey found that funds raised in 2023 were 43% higher than the previous year, closing off at a high of R28.1bn. 59% of these funds were raised from investors outside of South Africa – an encouraging indicator of the industry’s growing attractiveness to the international investment community and yet another indicator of an industry in rapid recovery after a three-year, post-pandemic downturn. Along this vein, European and US investors made up 45% and 22% of investments from outside South Africa respectively. Commenting on this is Tshepiso Kobile, chief executive officer of Savca, who says that, “The engines of the PE industry are gaining traction, and all signals point to noticeable growth and even untapped potential. "On a global scale, PE is up against some serious odds, including economic uncertainty and political upheaval. Locally, the picture looks very much the same, although – true to its reputation for being resilient, PE has continued to push through and demand attention as an asset class, continuing to return capital back to investors and drive impact.” Evidence of this can be seen in the marked optimism of local PE firms when compared to their global counterparts. The PE survey found that Southern African PE firms are more optimistic about an increase in exit activity in the next six months than global PE firms – currently 41% of local firms expect an increase of 10% more as opposed to only 24% of global firms who expect the same. A dramatic increase was also seen in the proportion of investments (by number) made by PE firms with Funds Under Management (FUM) of over R5bn, which stands at 58% in 2023, compared to 11% in 2022. Likewise, 51% of respondents reported their expectation of seeing accelerated growth of their FUM, compared to just 38% in the previous year. ESG and impact front and centre According to the survey, it’s full steam ahead for PE, and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and impact investing are leading the charge. The past few years have seen ESG rise in prominence as an important consideration by PE firms when making investments and similarly, a key expectation of LPs. As per this year’s survey, 35% of local PE firms now have dedicated ESG professionals. In addition, 55% of respondents said that their fund has a specific impact investing mandate. When asked about the elements of ESG that these investors are placing particular emphasis on, 92% of respondents reported that their investors require measurement of portfolio company performance against specific metrics. Increased reporting on ESG and the tailoring of investment strategy to meet ESG requirements ranked as second and third most prevalent investor focus areas, respectively. In tandem with this consistent push for a greater focus on sustainability both in terms of the social and environmental aspects of PE investments, survey respondents also commented on the nature of their ESG policies. 66% of respondents said that the top component that makes up their ESG policy is adhering to external global sustainability initiatives (for example, Principles for Responsible Investments), with the responsibility for setting ESG priorities placed at the highest levels within the firms (i.e. at Board level). These findings are indicative of a PE industry in which “ESG concerns have now become embedded in decision making and are seen as integral to operational success,” according to Kobile. “This in turn, speaks volumes about the ability of the PE sector to contribute to a growing greener, digitised and more inclusive economy. "We should never underestimate the capacity that sits within PE to foster resilience in ventures. This is evidenced by the growth in revenues, employment and EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) that was reported by the PE portfolio companies for the 2021 - 2023 measurement period, in a battling economy. With more and more PE firms keeping this objective top of mind, we will undoubtedly continue to see great examples of the positive contribution the industry can make towards our broader national goals,” she adds. PE driving transformation progress This was in fact one of the chief findings to emerge from the nation-wide analysis of the role of PE and Venture Capital (VC) in supporting and delivering on national policy objectives. The #InvestingForGrowth analysis was commissioned by Savca and conducted by research firm, Intellidex (now Krutham) in 2023. Objectives such as job creation featured prominently in the final report, which found that while national employment growth found itself in the red at -4.2%, employment growth within PE investee companies stood at 4.2%. The report also found that PE and VC firms have thus far made an important contribution towards improving the BEE performance of the companies within their portfolios. According to the report, investee companies reported significant improvements on several BEE scorecard components, namely ownership (up by 54%), management control (up by 38%), skills development (up by 68%), enterprise and supplier development (up by 71%) and socioeconomic development (up by 63%). This coincides with the findings of this year’s PE Survey, in which fund managers reported improving diversity both within their Boards, as well as within their teams, with an increasing proportion of PE firms with over 30% women promotees across all levels. A further 62% of PE firms reported having more than 50% black management – up from 60% last year. Concluding her remarks, Kobile noted that the PE sector is transforming the local investment landscape. “In line with Savca’s 2024 theme of ‘Synergy with Collaboration,’ we are confident that a truly inclusive and progressive industry where the unique qualities of all members of our society are harnessed, is well within our grasp.” ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/survey-results-sa-private-equity-fundraising-activity-surges-to-a-13-year-high-361528a

Luis Monzon | 14 August 2024 Telkom says its FutureMakers programme has directly led to partner small businesses and SMMEs creating nearly 70 000 employment opportunities. Businesses in the programme have managed to generate nearly R400 million in revenues this year. Telkom aids certain businesses with partnership opportunities to further positive impacts. The small business boosting FutureMakers programme from Telkom is being celebrated by the semi-private telco firm for a banner 2024 so far, creating procurement opportunities and innovation initiatives worth nearly R340 million. As part of the programme, Telkom says it managed to create and sustain 69 500 new jobs through aiding small businesses and SMMEs that are part of FutureMakers. This figure of new jobs was at 39 261 as of last year, noting the new wave of employment opportunities created through these initiatives in 2024 so far, and the year isn’t even over yet. By far and away, Telkom has shown that its impact with FutureMakers is only growing year to year. “Our investments in SMMEs and development programmes have resulted in real, positive social and commercial outcomes,” says Tshepo Phetla, Telkom’s head of business development. “We’re proud to be growing local businesses, and connecting communities across the nation,” they add. Telkom says in an announcement sent to Hypertext that SMMEs that are taking part in its small business development programmes managed to generate revenues of R399 million this year. An example of a successful small businesess boosted by FutureMakers is Mmapaseka Academy, an ICT training business in Kimberley, Northern Cape. It is owned and operated by young black women, including founder Naledi Moncho. “Through Telkom FutureMakers, it received seed funding, during their participation in the Telkom Tech Accelerator programme, for the development of training tools and platforms and to cover operational expenses and marketing,” the telco explains. Now the business has even onboarded the software of Telkom subsidiary BCX to run learnerships for 49 students. Mmapaseka Academy has also been drafted to run digital skills training for FutureMaker’s Telkom Township incubation programme. Telkom hopes these and future initiatives will help more people find meaningful jobs. “Ultimately, through strategic partnerships like these, and committed, focused enterprise and supplier development programmes, Telkom FutureMakers is transforming the business landscape,” Telkom says. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://htxt.co.za/2024/08/telkom-celebrates-helping-create-nearly-70-000-jobs/

IT-Online | 14 August 2024 Imagine routinely hearing this from young Africans: ”I run my own startup. I plan to hire three young people as the business is expanding”, or ”I was employed by a good company only three months after I finished school and I’m enjoying my job.” By Vera Ng’oma, country director: Malawi of the British Council These are the kinds of success stories young Africans aspire to achieve, African governments aim to facilitate through their policies, and educational institutions strive to prepare students for them. However, as the world celebrates International Youth Day the challenges are substantial: poor educational outcomes, a shortage of relevant skills, and low job creation. Each year, at least 10 million youth enter Africa’s labour market, but only 3,1-million new formal wage jobs are created. According to the International Labour Organisation, employability – defined as “portable competencies and qualifications that enhance an individual’s capacity to secure and retain decent work, and to progress within the enterprise” – is attainable. But what steps are needed to more purposefully pursue youth employability? How can this agenda gain the focus and urgency required to achieve much-needed results? Revitalising the vision for employability Skills and jobs are crucial for Africa’s economies, especially as its youth population is projected to be the world’s largest by 2050. However, progress on SDG 8.6 – promoting youth employability, education, and training – remains slow. Employability is a key issue for the education sector but must be addressed as a cross-cutting matter. The urgency lies in creating a coordinated approach that aligns school-work systems, promotes collaboration between training institutions and employers, and integrates educational and economic considerations to boost the job market and create necessary skills. A clear vision of employability is essential. This vision should define what is at stake, identify what needs to be accelerated to tap into and build potential, leverage existing assets, and coordinate the various parts, roles, and actors. This will help embed an understanding of the world of work in education and training. Building skills with the workforce in mind Unfortunately, education and industry have often failed to collaborate as needed, leading to a mismatch between the labour market and the skills it requires. A more integrated approach is essential for developing labour market-responsive curricula and fostering entrepreneurial learning to reduce barriers to youth employment and entrepreneurship. Institutional leadership is crucial. The British Council’s Innovation for African Universities (IAU) programme demonstrates how academia can enhance youth employability through Africa-UK partnerships that support innovation and commercialisation. This initiative helps students build job skills and entrepreneurial capabilities tied to real market opportunities. In technical and vocational education and training (TVET), apprenticeships and work-integrated learning initiatives that combine real work with training could become a reliable model for developing industry-specific skills and providing valuable exposure for learners. If successful examples can be scaled up, both businesses and society will benefit. Focusing on growth and productive sectors of the economy is a sustainable way to enhance employability. Ensuring that skills are demand-driven and deployable into existing and new jobs will support national productivity, economic growth, and the futures of young people. Empowering through digital Across Africa, jobs are much sought after but self-employment is increasingly becoming a pragmatic option for earning a livelihood. It has been exciting to note how technologically enabled initiatives are igniting young people’s potential and capacities. SoCreative, the British Council’s free, self-paced online learning platform is equipping thousands of creative entrepreneurs and leaders with business skills, knowledge and understanding. In Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, our Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation (SIDP) programme is helping bridge the digital divide. About 18,000 people with disabilities, disadvantaged youth and women have improved their digital skills, started businesses and are accessing new markets. This impact story shows how an inclusive approach is making a difference. However, entrepreneurship in Sub Saharan Africa would need deeper investment to become a real source of jobs as it still faces challenges, including financing, regulatory barriers and lack of a supportive ecosystem. Influencing progressive industries Improving youth employability requires actions that go beyond individual efforts, focusing on harnessing the dynamism of networks, the diversity of employers, and the energy of industries. A groundbreaking initiative in African fashion, the TechStitched Fashion Residency – a collaboration between the British Council and Hub of Africa Fashion Week in Ethiopia – promotes growth, innovation, creative exchange, and skill development across the continent’s fashion industry. Recognising that the quality of business environments affects the health of enterprises, we support businesses through our EU-funded Investment Climate Facility (ICR). This initiative provides technical assistance and tools to help businesses operate more efficiently and create more decent work opportunities, especially for youth. Adopting a pipeline approach The focus on youth employability often centres on tertiary education, but the entire formal education cycle needs to evolve, starting from earlier stages. Strong learning foundations determine the quality of learners transitioning into later stages. The British Council’s approach encompasses basic, secondary, and tertiary education, aiming to build robust, inclusive education systems through partnerships. These systems enable youth to develop cognitive and life skills as they progress through the educational journey and enter the workforce. Our non-formal education interventions, such as Youth Connect, facilitate agency, leadership, and peer learning. By addressing the entire education lifecycle, our work leverages policy, practice, and partnerships that are locally led and informed by global best practices. We connect students, educators, policymakers, academics, creatives, and entrepreneurs, all focused on increasing opportunities for youth. This approach strengthens systems and identifies and tests incentives to develop effective solutions. Moving the needle on gender equity The youth unemployment rate for females is 9-13% higher than for males in most African countries. Young women face various workplace inequities, including unequal pay and fewer promotions. Our efforts to not only make more young women employable but also to ensure they remain in the workforce are yielding positive results. The findings from a gender audit, supported by our ICR facility programme, are successfully mobilising companies in Malawi to adopt stronger anti-sexual harassment policies in the workplace. Our Ignite Culture programme, operating in 14 African countries, provides grants and business support to creative and cultural enterprises, many of which are led by women. In Uganda, Bold-in-Africa, supported by an Ignite Culture grant, exemplifies how our work is increasing the visibility of women creatives. We continue to create an enabling environment by partnering to influence legislation, policy, and practice. Through dialogue, research, and evidence-based decisions, we aim to improve the lives of women and girls. Time to raise the stakes High unemployment is not just an economic risk; it is also a social risk, as insufficient economic opportunities can threaten community stability. The youth employability agenda must go beyond individual programmes, embracing a bold, continent-wide ambition, collective leadership, and imaginative approaches that involve the agency of young people facing these challenges. A commitment to reliable data, measurement, and evidence is essential. The Africa Youth Employment Clock, a dynamic tool that projects current employment growth in real-time, could be invaluable in this regard. The clock is ticking. We must accelerate our efforts to improve life prospects for Africa’s youth through systemic solutions that create opportunities, skills, and jobs, and stimulate the socio-economic growth essential for the continent’s prosperity. It is a call to action to step it up. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://it-online.co.za/2024/08/14/stepping-up-youth-employability-for-jobs-and-better-life-chances/

A successful vendor application is what allows a customer to purchase goods or services and pay their supplier with pre-conditions.  However, to get to the stage where business flows between a supplier and a customer, due diligence is essential to protect the customer and the supplier.   Part and parcel of due diligence of a vendor application is requesting documentation which confirms that the applicant is a good corporate citizen with good financial standing. However, many organisations request documentation that is not relevant or in a prescribed format and which will cost the applicant time and money.    The following is a non-exhaustive list of relevant information that could put an organisation applying to be a supplier into a favourable position. This list, however, excludes additional legislative expectations as set out by institutional bodies such as bargaining councils:   o   Trading name of organisation and registration details; Require - organisation’s registration documents. o   How an organisation was registered, whether as a Close Corporation, Proprietary Limited or Sole Trader; Require - organisation’s registration documents. o   Shareholder information; Require - share certificates, Company Share Register and certified identity documents. o   VAT statement; Require - VAT Registration Certificate. o   Tax Clearance; Require - SARS Tax Clearance Certificate. o   Contact information; In most cases, this information only needs to be provided and not evidenced. Necessary information would include physical and postal addresses, telephone, cell phone and fax numbers, website address and, where possible, two contact email addresses. o   Banking information;  Require - A certified letter from the bank to confirm account details, or a cancelled cheque. o   B-BBEE threshold indicated by annual total revenue; Require - B-BBEE Certificate, CIPC EME Certificate or an Affidavit. o   ‘Black’ Ownership and ‘Black’ Women Ownership Status; Require - B-BBEE Certificate, CIPC B-BBEE EME Certificate, Affidavit, share certificates and identity documents. o   Confirmation of safety and compliance standards, for example, NOSA certification; issued certificate. o   Declaration of any ‘Conflict of Interest’. o   Acceptance of an organisation’s terms and conditions. Enterprise & Supplier Development Services  are available to assist Members with understanding these requirements.

The liquidity of an Enterprise Development Beneficiary matters. A long-term Enterprise & Supplier Development Strategy more often than not incorporates future Bonus Points for elevating a Beneficiary from Enterprise Development status to that of Supplier Development.   However, core to successfully claiming these points is that the Enterprise or Supplier Development Beneficiary remains in business. In other words, claims only qualify if an Enterprise or Supplier Development Beneficiary’s business is liquid and actively trading.   Therefore, organisations must put measures in place to track the performance of their Beneficiaries.   Enterprise & Supplier Development Services  are available to Members to assist with crafting sustainable Enterprise & Supplier Development strategies.

Skills Development is an intrinsic part of building a transforming economy. It incentivises organisations to use 6% of their payroll annually for Skills Development interventions. The core aim is to facilitate development to create sustainable employment, thus inviting more people to participate in the economy.   Some organisations invest what they can afford, whilst others aim to fund the complete 6% for Skills Development. However, due to a disconnect on where the spend would be most effective and how a meaningful investment in higher education, training or learnerships, internships or apprenticeships could lead to absorption, they only meet the sub-minimum requirements.   It Is encouraged that Members develop and maintain a sustainable Skills Development strategy.   Skills Development Services   are available to assist members in developing Skills Development strategies.

Sunday World | 12 August 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that through stronger collaboration between government and business, along with the backing of labor and civil society, entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool to lift more women out of poverty. Ramaphosa said this in his weekly newsletter on Monday. “With greater collaboration between government and business, together with the support of labour and civil society, we can use entrepreneurship to lift more women out of poverty. We can create more jobs for women and help more women secure their financial freedom,” he said. Ramaphosa said the private sector is playing an important role in guiding these entrepreneurship journeys through start-up incubators, women entrepreneurship awards and programmes such as the Youth Employment Service. With the help of the Social Employment Fund and others, government is enabling women entrepreneurs to employ workers and provide mentorship to trainees. Private sector can do more to empower women “There is much more that the private sector can do. Access to financial resources, including credit lines, is vital to the viability of women-owned businesses. “Another important area is access to tools of financial inclusion like bank accounts and mobile money and payment technologies. It will be critical to broaden the reach of financial services to include women in the informal sector and in rural areas. “Empowering women contributes to thriving economies, spurs productivity and boosts economic growth,” said Ramaphosa. Last week, the country commemorated the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. This historic protest by more than 20 000 South African women was a response to the cruel and dehumanising practices of the apartheid regime. Thirty years into democracy, Ramaphosa highlighted that government has made impressive strides in advancing gender equality across society, however we still have a long way to go in broadening women’s economic participation. This is borne out by a recently published Gallup study titled ‘Gender Power in Africa’. The report analyses the disparities and imbalances that shape the lives of women in five African countries, including South Africa. Accessing skills development programmes South Africa ranks the highest of the countries surveyed with respect to the rate of female participation in political decision-making, low rates of child marriage, and the participation and completion rates of girls in primary and secondary education. However, of the countries surveyed, South Africa has the highest rate of unemployed women and women not in the workforce. The percentage of South African women considered to be self-employed or entrepreneurs is the lowest, at 5%. “In this respect, we lag behind the rest of the continent. According to the World Economic Forum, women constitute 58% of self-employed people across Africa. “In a country such as ours, with a high unemployment rate , entrepreneurship is an important tool to empower more women and broaden their participation in the economy. This includes in the informal sector, which accounts for 18% of total employment in the country,” said Ramaphosa. Through its various departments and entities, he highlighted that the state provides financial support to women to enable them to start their own businesses and to sustain existing businesses. Women-owned businesses are also able to access training in business and project management, IT and other skills. “We have set a target to allocate at least 40% of public procurement spend to women-owned businesses. In 2021, we launched a Women’s Economic Assembly to enable women-owned enterprises to participate in local industry value chains. Since its inception this programme has yielded promising results in a number of key economic sectors, notably the automotive sector,” he said. He further highlighted that government is striving to expand women’s access to economic activity through land ownership, enabling female farmers to own land through the state’s land redistribution programme and supporting them with equipment and other agricultural inputs. “From citrus farmers in the North West, cooperatives making affordable school furniture in KwaZulu-Natal, to cosmetics companies and tech start-ups in the Western Cape, women-owned enterprises all across the country are benefiting from an integrated approach to supporting small businesses,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://sundayworld.co.za/news/private-sector-can-do-more-to-empower-women-entrepreneurs/

Tshehla Cornelius Koteli | 1 3 August 2024 South Africans continue to search for possible reasons and solutions for the high rate of unemployment in the country. As joblessness continues to grow, suggestions from various experts have been made, with pressure being put on government to find and implement necessary solutions. Nazeer Hoosen, CEO at The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance says one of the reasons for the high rate of unemployment is poor literacy. Hoosen says it is worrying how the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study report revealed that 81% of grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning. He is of the view that the poor literacy level in South Africa is a barrier for the youth when it comes to future career prospects. The negative effects of poor literacy Hoosen says there are different ways in which poor literacy hinders the youth from getting mid-level and higher positions. Due to the creation of Artificial intelligence (AI), there is going to be a reduction in entry-level positions. “A 2023 report by edX, an online education platform said entry-level workers are at the greatest risk of being replaced by AI,” he adds. The report estimates that 56% of the entry-level positions will be taken over by AI over the next five years. Jobs that will be available will require a higher education qualification or specified skills. “When it comes to working with AI, there needs to be an understanding of subject matters and outcomes – for example, knowing how to craft an AI prompt to produce specific results.” edX is a United States-based company and the report was conducted with the purpose of helping business leaders understand how AI will impact the workplace. “edX partnered with Workplace Intelligence to survey 800 C-Suite executives, including over 500 CEOs and 800 knowledge workers.” Skills development Poor literacy is also explained to hinder effective skills development. He says the ability to develop new skills is important in today’s continuously changing world. Being able to develop new skills with ease will help the youth to navigate both work and personal life. “With companies de-centralising operations to embrace remote work structures, written communication will replace verbal discussions to a larger extent,” adds Hoosen. Many employees in future will need to have the ability to provide clear communication, as they will be expected to communicate effectively and professionally in written format. Analytic thinking is viewed to be the most wanted skill in a workplace, followed by creative thinking. This is according to the World Economic Forum 2023 Future of Jobs report lists. “Even those inherently possessing such proficiencies require strong reading and writing skills to express their ideas and communicate efficiently with stakeholders,” he says. Efforts that can prepare young people Hoosen believes both parents and teachers should prioritise instilling a love for books and reading in children from an early age. Programs which focus on early childhood literacy are important to building a foundation for professionals and social development. The government needs to escalate in providing access to basic education, as well as improving the quality of education across all age groups. But there is also a need to invest in developing teachers individually, and in the profession, by looking at salary structures that will attract skilled educators. “Partnerships and collaborations are also critical to solving the literacy and education crisis facing the country. Private sector collaborative initiatives and projects have the potential to make a tangible impact when it comes to education transformation.” ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za/poor-literacy-contributes-to-sas-youth-unemployment-says-expert/

Creamer Media Reporter | 13 August 2024 South Africa 's unemployment rate worsened by 0.6 of a percentage point to 33.5% in the second quarter, from 32.9% in the first quarter. The expanded unemployment rate, which includes discouraged work seekers, also worsened by 0.7 of a percentage point to 42.6%, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reports. Stats SA's latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows a decrease of 92 000 in the number of employed persons to 16.7-million and an increase of 158 000 in the number of unemployed persons to 8.4-million in the second quarter. Discouraged work seekers increased by 147 000, while the number of persons who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 75 000 between the first and second quarters of this year. This led to an increase in the number of not economically active persons to 16.3-million. Those aged 15 to 24 years and 25 to 34 years continue to have the highest unemployment rates at 60.8% and 41.7%, respectively, Stats SA reports. South Africa 's rising youth unemployment rate goes against global trends. Newswire Reuters on August 12 reported that youth unemployment worldwide had reached a 15-year-low in 2023 and was likely to continue falling through 2025. North West University Business School economist Professor Raymond Parsons says it was inevitable that poor growth would be reflected in yet higher unemployment. “Narrowly defined, one in three of the working-age population is now unemployed. The continued high level of youth unemployment remains of great concern,” he states. He adds that the latest overall unemployment figures again reinforce the urgency outlined by the Government of National Unity (GNU) for South Africa to prioritise much higher inclusive, job-rich growth. “Already, the prospects for stabilising and eventually reducing the high level of unemployment are being improved by the phasing out of loadshedding, higher infrastructure spending, stronger business confidence and reduced policy uncertainty. “These could, in time, build a sustainable platform for increased job creation in future,” Parsons says. He adds that the latest unemployment figures, however, also reinforce the need to expedite those structural economic reforms that will turn the South African economy round sooner rather than later and put it on a much higher growth trajectory. “Current forecasts of about 1% GDP growth this year are simply not good enough. The prevailing bad news on the unemployment front can, therefore, only be converted to better news in future if the economic remedies South Africa needs are given high priority,” he says. ‘Disclaimer - The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/unemployment-2024-08-13