Life Healthcare, Nestlé, ABB, Nielsen, Adcorp, and Publicis have launched the Regional Alliance for Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa in Johannesburg as part of a long-term commitment that aims on improving the employability of youth in the region.
The Alliance consists of  like-minded organisations that are focused on achieving key goals which are, helping young people navigate the rapidly changing work environment and combining efforts and resources to create a more meaningful impact.
The alliance will focus on creating and implementing employability programmes, mentorship and training initiatives designed to equip young people with essential workplace skills. Companies across the region, irrespective of size, operation or turnover; are therefore urged to join the Alliance.
âYouth employability remains one of the critical challenges facing us as a region. It is a societal challenge that requires a societal response. We believe that communities cannot thrive if they fail to offer a future for younger generations. That is why we are determined to help young people develop their skills so that they can find jobs or even create their own businesses,â said Bruno Olierhoek, Chairman and Managing Director for NestlĂ© East and Southern Africa.
âWe have joined forces as different organisations who share the same vision when it comes to addressing this challenge. This is just the beginning. We are therefore making a clarion call to other organisations to come on board in making a positive difference,â added Olierhoek.
âAs we continue to seek solutions to our unemployment crisis, the Adcorp Group facilitates access to bursaries, learnerships, apprenticeships and internships which not only help young South Africans develop the skills the need for entry-level employment but also allows us to establish a talent pipeline for entry-level positions,â said Adcorpâs Interim Chief Executive Officer Cheryl-Jane Kujenga.
âWe are operating in a time of disruption that is changing the way business operates on a global scale. As we move forward with unprecedented speed into this digital era, we are cognizant of the fact that it is critical to ensure that our youth are not left behind. Digital holds so much promise, but it also has the potential to create even greater divides and further exclusion. We are passionate about uplifting and developing our youth but cannot do this alone. Collaboration is required to improve our reach and increase the scale of youth development,â stated Mervin Munsamy, Head of Human Resources at ABB Southern Africa.
