A total of 47 participants who completed the AMANDLA and Safe-Hub learnership programme across four Gauteng-based Safe-Hubs graduated at the event in Jabulani Safe Hub facility.
The partnerships between AMANDLA, PepsiCo and various stakeholders throughout South Africa have been formed with the purpose to address the challenges of youth unemployment in townships by providing skills training opportunities with the goal of helping youth become employable.
Executive Director of AMANDLA’s South African Operation, Ashmita Singh said, “The PlayMaker programme is an entry point into the economy for our youth, and our corporate partnerships like PepsiCo help us to bring this to fruition. We continue to support our PlayMakers after they exit the one-year programme and so do our corporate partners by making it possible for them to enter into future economic opportunities, either directly or indirectly.”
PlayMakers take part in a one-year intensive learnership that focuses on improving participants’ job readiness. Many PlayMaker graduates go on to join their local Safe-Hubs as permanent staff or get connected to other employment or further education opportunities.
Director of Corporate Affairs-Operations at PepsiCo sub-Saharan Africa, Nico Moloto said it was encouraging to see the determination and resilience of many young people pursuing their goals despite the socio-economic challenges that they face.
Eight PlayMakers funded by PepsiCo formed part of the first cohort at the Thembisa Safe-Hub in 2022. 89 PlayMakers graduated across all South African AMANDLA sites.
“This graduation acknowledges playmakers who we proudly commend for being remarkable examples within their communities with great work ethic, dedication and passion. We definitely know that their future looks bright, and we look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in life,” said Moloto.
“As a company, we place a strong emphasis on bringing a positive impact in our community by developing programmes that can address social issues impacting each community,” he concluded.
