The Volvo Group Southern Africa has committed R25 million to help address South Africa’s high unemployment rate among the youth.

Torbjörn Christensson, President of Volvo Group Southern Africa, says the company is investing the money as part of the Youth Employment Service (YES), which will target TVET college students.

The money will go toward apprenticeship training, automotive industry learnerships, disabled persons’ learnerships, as well as internships.

Other investments

To address the shortage of skilled drivers in the region, the company will also establish a specialised Driver Training Academy at an investment of R1.4 million.

The manufacturer will also invest a further 7.8 million in Star for Life, a non-profit organisation that aims to provide young people in southern Africa with essential life skills, sports training and health education.

Volvo’s initiative is in line with the YES initiative led by President Ramaphosa. Launched in March, the initiative between business, government, labour and civil society will see businesses creating one-year paid positions for youth aged between 18 and 35 with a minimum paid stipend of R3500 a month. 

Opportunities for youth to grow

Christensson says Volvo believes in the future of South Africa, especially in the youth and the endless potential they hold.

“As a global company, with a strong commitment to the success of South Africa, we also support government’s initiative to focus on youth development as is envisioned in initiatives such as the proposed Youth Employment Service,” Christensson notes.

It is about creating more opportunities for the youth to grow, to develop, to learn and to ultimately prosper, he said.

“We are ready and willing to take hands with government to identify and create more opportunities for our youth, to start rebuilding the social fabric and economic transformation of the South African labour market.”