In a time when South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis continues to crush dreams and fuel frustration, a beacon of hope has emerged. City Power, in partnership with UNISA Enterprise, Afric Training College, the Department of Labour’s Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and African Bank, has officially launched a bold new initiative aimed at tackling the scourge of joblessness among young people.
The ambitious programme, unveiled at City Power’s Head Office in Reuven on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, seeks to equip 1,200 unemployed youth with skills, tools, and pathways to employment and entrepreneurship. In a powerful show of unity across sectors, the initiative combines practical training, theoretical instruction, and enterprise development — a multidimensional response to what is arguably South Africa’s most pressing crisis.
According to the latest data from Stats SA, youth unemployment sits at an alarming 43.4%, with over 4.7 million South Africans aged 15 to 34 currently without work. Many are graduates unable to break into the job market due to lack of experience, while others — from underserved communities — never had a chance to complete school or pursue further studies.
Against this grim backdrop, City Power’s CEO, Tshifularo Mashava, says the partnership offers more than training — it offers dignity, empowerment, and economic mobility.
“This programme aims to bridge the gap for those who may not have had the chance to go to university, while also upskilling graduates who have qualifications but lack workplace experience or placement opportunities,” she said.
Mashava emphasised that City Power is not only investing in energy infrastructure, but also in people — the engine of future transformation.
“It takes a village to raise a child. And it takes a united front to fight youth unemployment. Together, with our partners, we are building that village.”
The programme is split into two streams: Electrical Skills Training: 400 participants will receive accredited, hands-on training in electrical engineering — including solar panel installation, street lighting, and basic electrical maintenance — conducted at the Roodepoort Skills Centre, and Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD): 800 participants will be incubated into entrepreneurs through a structured programme covering New Venture Creation, financial literacy, tendering, and compliance. These sessions will be facilitated by UNISA Enterprise and Afric Training College at the UNISA Florida Campus.
In a forward-looking twist, the initiative also links youth empowerment with the green economy. City Power is already constructing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and has plans to convert its fleet of over 400 vehicles to EVs.
“These young people will be trained in skills that are critical for the future — electric mobility, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure,” said Nyiko Bvuma, CEO of Afric Training College. “We’re not just training workers — we’re training future employers.”
The vision is for many of the 800 young entrepreneurs to one day supply services back to City Power and other municipal infrastructure projects, ensuring a lasting economic loop.
The Department of Labour is providing monthly stipends to all participants for the six-month programme, with African Bank stepping in to ensure reliable disbursement, even in cases of administrative delays.
“There are many challenges, especially with the high rate of youth unemployment, and this initiative can truly benefit young people,” said Vusi Mazibuko, Deputy Director of Public Employment Services. “This is not just training — it’s an investment in the future of our economy.”
After completing their training, participants will receive industry-recognised qualifications and up to 12 months of job placement or mentorship support. Those on the ESD stream will also receive guidance on formalising their businesses and securing compliance with procurement regulations.
At the heart of this initiative is a long-term strategy — not a short-term fix. The project, running from August 2025 to August 2026, aims to establish a model that can be replicated across other sectors and municipalities.
“This is not a once-off event,” said Lesetsa Matshekga, CEO of UNISA Enterprise. “It is part of a broader national commitment to building skills, developing entrepreneurs, and transforming South Africa’s economy from the ground up.”
Matshekga added that public-private partnerships like this are essential to addressing systemic unemployment.
“No single institution can tackle this alone. But together, we can create opportunities that last — opportunities that change lives.”
While the national youth unemployment rate remains daunting, City Power’s initiative injects a sense of possibility back into the conversation. It’s a reminder that with the right partners, political will, and shared vision, meaningful change is possible.
For 1,200 young South Africans, this isn’t just a training programme — it’s a lifeline. It’s a chance to reclaim agency over their futures, to build careers, and to contribute meaningfully to an economy that too often leaves them behind.
As Mashava aptly put it: “This is not about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a generation of young South Africans who can light up their own paths — and those of others.”
