by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOME 676 young locals have graduated from a partnership programme initiated to address youth unemployment in South Africa, by equipping young people with valuable, job-ready skills.
Mcdonald’s South Africa (MSA), in collaboration with the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), are celebrating the graduation.
The learnership aligns with CATHSSETA’s High Impact Programme, which aims to empower unemployed individuals with industry-specific training, improving their chances of securing long-term employment within the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Marks Thibela, CATHSSETA Chief Executive Officer, said the initiative was a clear demonstration of how co-investment between the private sector and public sector supported by CATHSSETA’s oversight and quality assurance, could create measurable and lasting outcomes for young people.
“This model is proof that collaboration between industry and public institutions can produce credible and scalable responses to youth unemployment,” Thibela said.
CATHSSETA plays a vital role in implementing the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) 2030, focusing Arts, Culture and Heritage; Conservation; Gaming and Lotteries; Hospitality; Sport, Recreation and Fitness as well as Tourism and Travel Services.
Mamello Masia, MSA Chief People Officer, welcomed the programmes’ outcomes.
Of the 1 400 learners trained, 476 have been permanently absorbed into MSA.
Around 658 exited the programme for reasons such as pursuing careers in their chosen fields, while roughly 200 declined job offers from McDonald’s.
Over 75 percent of those no longer in the programme are now employed full-time in the industry, with 1,5 percent having ventured into self-employment.
“This programme has proven to be a meaningful intervention in bridging the gap between unemployment and sustainable employment and even fostering entrepreneurship,” Masia said.
Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, concurred.
She said the programme had brought hope to individuals, restored dignity to families and reignited pride within communities.
“These are the kinds of projects that reclaim the dignity of our youth and strengthen the social fabric of our communities,” Gondwe said.
– CAJ News