Looking for work, training or a chance to gain experience? The SA Youth Network can help you take your next step.

The SA Youth Network is a national initiative supported by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. It connects young South Africans with opportunities to develop their skills, gain practical experience and explore pathways into employment and further learning.

Through this platform, young people can access job-seeking resources, discover opportunities in their communities and prepare themselves for the world of work.

What opportunities can you explore?

The SA Youth Network provides access to resources and opportunities that can help you move forward in your personal and professional journey, including:

• Job opportunities: Search for employment opportunities that match your interests and circumstances.

• Learnerships and skills development: Explore opportunities to learn new skills and improve your employability.

• Volunteering and work experience: Find ways to gain practical experience and strengthen your CV.

• Bursaries and further studies: Discover opportunities to continue your education and develop your qualifications.

• Job readiness support: Access resources to help you prepare for the workplace and navigate your job search.

• Personal wellbeing: Find resources that support your wellbeing while you work towards your goals.

Who can register?

The NYDA's published information identifies the following registration requirements:

• You must be between 15 and 34 years old.

• You must be a South African citizen or provide a valid Refugee ID number, as specified by the platform.

• Registration is free.

The SA Youth mobile-friendly website is also designed to be accessed without mobile data charges, according to the NYDA's published information. Check the official platform for current registration requirements and access arrangements.

How to join the SA Youth Network

Getting started is straightforward:

1. Visit the official website: Open the SA Youth registration portal.

2. Register or log in: Enter your ID number and follow the instructions. If you have registered previously, try logging in with your existing details rather than creating another account.

3. Complete your profile: Answer the registration questions and provide relevant information about your background.

4. Explore opportunities: Browse the opportunities available to you and select those that match your interests and qualifications.

5. Apply and update your details: Follow the application instructions for each opportunity and keep your profile updated with your education, skills and work experience.

Start building your future today

You do not have to navigate your journey towards employment and skills development alone. Take the first step by registering with the SA Youth Network and exploring the opportunities available to you.

Ready to get started?

Register on SA Youth

For assistance with the SA Youth platform, the NYDA webpage lists the toll-free support number as 0800 727 272.

Original source: National Youth Development Agency – SA Youth Network.

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Own a spaza shop or community convenience store? Discover government support that could help you strengthen your business, improve your operations and reach more customers.

The Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF) is a South African government initiative designed to support locally owned spaza shops and community convenience stores, particularly those operating in townships and rural communities.

The fund aims to help qualifying businesses overcome common challenges, such as limited access to finance, high stock costs, inadequate equipment and difficulties meeting business and food-safety requirements.

By combining financial assistance with business development support, the initiative seeks to help local retailers become more competitive, operate more effectively and contribute to economic growth and job creation in their communities.

What support could your business receive?

The fund provides different forms of assistance intended to help eligible businesses improve their operations.

1. Financial assistance for stock

Eligible businesses may receive support towards their initial stock purchases through approved delivery partners. This can help shop owners access essential goods and improve their ability to serve customers.

2. Equipment and infrastructure improvements

Funding may assist with improvements to business infrastructure and essential equipment, including:

• Refrigeration and storage facilities.

• Shelving and shop fittings.

• Security improvements.

• Business systems and operational equipment.

These improvements can help shop owners maintain products appropriately, manage stock more effectively and create a safer shopping environment.

3. Business skills and training

The programme also includes non-financial support to help entrepreneurs strengthen their business management skills. Training areas may include:

• Business management and operational efficiency.

• Digital literacy and point-of-sale systems.

• Credit management and financial awareness.

• Food safety and hygiene.

• Business registration and regulatory compliance.

4. Access to supply chains and competitive pricing

The initiative also aims to strengthen connections between local retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and other suppliers. Through partnerships and opportunities for bulk purchasing, participating businesses may be better positioned to access products at competitive prices.

How much funding is available?

The Department of Small Business Development's published information outlines the following support categories and maximum amounts:

Support Category Maximum Amount
Initial stock purchases R40 000
Assets and infrastructure R50 000
Business and management training support R10 000
Combined maximum across the categories R100 000

The infrastructure component is described as blended grant and loan funding. The categories have different purposes and conditions, so the amounts should not be interpreted as an automatic cash grant or a guaranteed payment to every applicant.

Funding allocations, eligibility and the conditions attached to each category are determined by the programme's official requirements.

Who may qualify?

The fund is intended for South African-owned spaza shops and community convenience stores operating in township and rural areas.

Published qualifying criteria include the following:

• Ownership: The business owner must meet the programme's South African citizenship requirements.

• Location: The shop must operate in South Africa, serving a township or rural community.

• Municipal registration: The business must comply with the applicable municipal registration, by-law and business licensing requirements.

• Business registration: Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) registration requirements depend on the level of funding. The published criteria provide for registration within six months for businesses receiving funding above R80,000.

• Tax compliance: The business must meet the South African Revenue Service (SARS) registration requirements or qualify for the transitional arrangements specified by the programme.

• Food safety: Businesses handling food should check the applicable health, hygiene and food-handling requirements and ensure that the required documentation is in place.

Meeting these criteria does not automatically guarantee approval. Applicants should consult the official programme guidelines to confirm the complete requirements and supporting documents applicable to their circumstances.

How to apply for the Spaza Shop Support Fund

If you own a spaza shop and want to explore this opportunity, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official fund website

Go to the Spaza Shop Support Fund website for the latest programme information and application instructions.

Step 2: Review the qualifying criteria

Check whether your ownership, business location, municipal registration and tax status meet the requirements.

Step 3: Prepare your business documents

Gather the relevant identification, business and municipal registration documents, tax information and any other supporting records requested by the programme.

Step 4: Follow the official application process

Use the instructions provided by the fund administrators to determine how to submit your application and supporting documentation.

Step 5: Check the status of applications

Confirm whether applications are currently open, which funding categories are available and whether any additional conditions apply before submitting your information.

Give your local business an opportunity to grow

Spaza shops play an important role in local economies by providing convenient access to everyday goods, supporting household livelihoods and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship.

If you own a qualifying shop, the Spaza Shop Support Fund may be worth exploring as part of your business growth plans.

Ready to learn more?

Visit the Official Spaza Shop Support Fund Website

Original source: The dtic – The Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF).

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Are you a young South African looking for work experience, skills development and ways to contribute to your community? The National Youth Service Programme could help you take your next step.

The National Youth Service Programme (NYSP) is a South African government initiative that gives young people opportunities to participate in community service while developing valuable skills and experience.

The programme encourages young people to play an active role in improving their communities, strengthening social connections and contributing to the country's development. Through participating projects, young people can gain practical experience, build confidence, develop leadership abilities and prepare for future employment or further learning.

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) supports the programme as part of broader efforts to expand opportunities for young South Africans.

What can you gain from participating?

Taking part in a youth service programme can help you develop personally and professionally while making a positive contribution to your community.

1. Practical work experience

Participate in organised community projects and gain experience that you can use to strengthen your CV and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

2. Skills development and learning

Build practical knowledge, develop new skills and, where offered by a particular project, access structured training or accredited learning opportunities.

3. Personal growth and leadership

Improve your communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills while learning to take responsibility and work with others.

4. Community involvement

Contribute to projects that respond to local needs, support community development and encourage active citizenship.

5. Improved employment prospects

Use the experience and skills you develop to prepare for future job applications, further training, entrepreneurship or other livelihood opportunities.

Some projects may also provide structured support to help participants move into further opportunities after completing their service.

What types of opportunities are available?

The National Youth Service model described by the NYDA includes different pathways to participation, depending on the project and the needs of the young people involved.

Community service and skills development

These projects combine community service with structured learning and development. They are particularly relevant to young people who are not currently in employment, education or training.

Practical experience for students and graduates

Some opportunities are designed for young people studying at universities or TVET colleges who need practical exposure and want to contribute to their communities.

Youth volunteering and gap-year opportunities

Young people taking a gap year, recent school leavers and others interested in volunteering may find opportunities to gain experience, develop their skills and become more involved in community activities.

Specialised training and occupational development

Certain projects may provide access to vocational training or occupational skills. The specific qualifications, participating institutions and entry requirements depend on the project being offered.

Who can apply?

The National Youth Service Programme works through different implementing organisations and projects. For this reason, there is no single set of application requirements that applies to every opportunity.

Depending on the project, applicants may need to meet requirements relating to:

• Age and South African citizenship or residency status, as specified in the project notice.

• Education level and any required qualifications.

• Current employment, education or training status.

• Availability to participate for the required period.

• The location where the project operates.

• Any additional documents or selection criteria set by the implementing organisation.

Some opportunities may prioritise young people who are unemployed and not participating in education or training.

Important: Always read the specific project advertisement carefully to confirm the eligibility criteria, application deadline, duration, training arrangements and whether a stipend is offered.

Are paid opportunities available?

Some National Youth Service projects offer paid service opportunities or stipends, while the arrangements may differ between projects.

In June 2026, the South African government announced Phase V of the NYDA National Youth Service Programme, with plans to create 100,000 paid service opportunities for unemployed young people across all nine provinces.

The announcement also referred to a national rollout and roadshows intended to connect young people with opportunities in their communities.

The number of opportunities available in a particular area, recruitment dates, selection requirements and payment arrangements should be confirmed through the relevant official announcement or implementing partner.

How do you find and apply for opportunities?

Recruitment takes place through partnerships involving government departments, public entities, private-sector organisations and civil society organisations. Applications are generally linked to individual projects and their recruitment processes.

Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Visit the official NYDA website

Explore the National Youth Service Programme information and check for current announcements.

Step 2: Look for current recruitment notices

Review the South African Government website and official NYDA announcements for information about new programme phases, roadshows and participating organisations.

Step 3: Check the requirements

Confirm the eligibility criteria, application process, location, closing date and supporting documents for the specific opportunity.

Step 4: Prepare your application

Keep your CV, identification documents, qualifications and contact information ready where these are required. Submit only the documents requested by the official application notice.

Step 5: Follow the official application instructions

Apply through the recruitment channel specified in the announcement. Be cautious of anyone requesting payment to secure a position or guarantee acceptance.

Make your next step count

Your journey towards employment does not have to begin with a permanent job. Community service, volunteering and structured youth development programmes can help you build experience, discover your strengths and develop skills that may support your future career.

If you are looking for ways to learn, contribute and grow, explore the National Youth Service Programme and watch for opportunities in your province.

Ready to explore?

Visit the NYDA National Youth Service Programme

Read the 2026 National Youth Service announcement

Original source: NYDA – National Youth Service Programme.

Job Preparedness Programme

The NYDA implements the Jobs Programme which have two components: Job Preparedness Training and JOB Placement.

• Job Preparedness training provides basic information on effective job hunting skills, how to draft an effective CV and motivational letter, how to prepare for job interviews and equip youth with relevant information to assist in employment retention once successfully interviewed.

Job Preparedness Training objectives

• To equip young people with basic information on effective job-hunting skills.

• Equip young people with skills to draft an effective CV and motivational letter.

• Train young people in how to prepare for job interviews.

• Equip youth with relevant information to assist in employment retention once successfully interviewed.

• To develop a skilled and capable workforce for South Africa to support an inclusive growth path.

Accessibility

Job Preparedness training is accessible through the walk-ins in all NYDA Branches and district offices of NYDA countrywide or you can register online at erp.nyda.gov.za It is presented by our well-qualified training officers. They train in accordance with the youth needs. It could be issues of personal development, conflict resolutions, money management skills and communications. It is required that youth who have passion to start businesses must go through the life skills training.

• Have you completed a learnership or any skills development programme? 

• Are you a newly graduate and looking for an internship? 

• Are you a South African between the ages of 18 and 35?

• NYDA also has a JOBS Placement Programme?

• The Job Placement provides young people with opportunities to participate in training and/or workplace experience through deliberate efforts to link young people from the NYDA database with opportunities from both private and public sector organisations or companies. This intervention addresses the disjuncture between youth out of employment and the workplace/world of work.

How to access the Job Preparedness Programme:

Visit our website at www.nyda.gov.za Contact our call centre on 0800 58 58 58; or Visit your nearest NYDA branch.