Given the high rate of youth unemployment, there is an urgent need to equip young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Skills development is crucial to addressing the root causes of these prominent levels of youth unemployment, and the need to address skills mismatches, which continues to contribute to structural unemployment.
Youth unemployment is undoubtedly one of the most serious socioeconomic challenges facing South Africa. While the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) earlier this year reported a national rate of 32.9%, this number increases to a staggering 45.5% among people aged 15 to 34 years. Among the sampled rural households, 51.5% are unemployed but actively seeking employment, while only about 10% are self-employed Some statistics place unemployment of youth aged 15-24 years as high as 62.1%, when considering the broader definition of unemployment.
FoodForward SA, a leading NPO dedicated to combating food insecurity and malnutrition, has responded to this crisis by providing essential skills training through its SETA accredited internship programme. This six-month programme blends 70% practical training with 30% academic instruction across supply chain, warehousing, and logistics, and includes mentoring sessions by supply-chain professionals and enabling employment absorption opportunities.
The internship also provides the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for participants to become strong advocates for food security and active contributors to FFSA’s mission of serving vulnerable communities, practical skills that serve as a cornerstone for pursuing careers in the non-profit sector and related fields.
Since its inception in 2019, this internship programme has broadened its reach to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Rustenburg and Durban, successfully training over 60 interns, with 19 transitioning into permanent employment opportunities, and in so doing has helped to lower barriers that prevent young people from entering the food supply chain.
One example that highlights the transformative power of skills training and youth empowerment is that of Sinethemba Daka, who joined the organisation as an intern in the fourth cohort of the programme in 2022. Sinethemba was offered permanent employment as an Operations Administrator then moved up to being a Fund Development Administrator.
“The fact that the food we distribute is still in its healthiest, freshest condition and is meant for the most vulnerable communities affected by the unpleasant conditions of poverty makes me look forward to every day at FoodForward SA.” Says Sinethemba Daka. I hope to study further and expand my knowledge of the industry so that I can add even more value to FoodForward and encourage other young people like me to join the food supply chain”.
“At FFSA, we see the role that our internship programme plays as being a critical step in empowering the youth and a practical pathway to enhance skills, employability and the opportunity for younger South Africans to actively contribute to the economy,” says Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director of FFSA.
Anyone interested in learning more about our internship programme, or to register, can contact FoodForward SA by clicking here or emailing info@foodforwardsa.org.
Source Social Tv: https://social-tv.co.za/education-and-training/empowering-youth-to-enter-the-food-supply-chain/
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