The South African Youth Project (SayPro), through its Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project, has proudly welcomed a cohort of 15 unemployed youth for a full-year work-integrated learning experience under the MICTSETA-funded TVET Placement Programme. These young individuals, currently studying Marketing Management at a TVET College, have been placed with SayPro to gain structured, practical experience for 12 months, supporting their transition from education to meaningful employment.
This initiative is not just about fulfilling academic requirements—it’s about empowering youth with real skills, fostering workplace readiness, and contributing to community development in Diepsloot and beyond. By creating opportunities for unemployed young people to gain hands-on industry exposure, SayPro and MICTSETA are addressing one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges: the gap between qualifications and employability.
Programme Purpose and National Context
South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate, particularly among graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, remains a critical concern. While TVET colleges offer industry-aligned qualifications, many students are unable to enter the labour market due to a lack of experience. The TVET Placement Programme, initiated by MICTSETA (Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority), was created to bridge this divide by funding practical, on-the-job training placements for TVET learners.
The SayPro Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project was selected as a host organisation based on its dynamic work in community development, youth skills training, creative arts, and public engagement—providing a perfect training ground for marketing students to apply and expand their skills.
About the Host: SayPro Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project
Operating in the heart of Diepsloot, a fast-growing township in Gauteng, the SayPro Youth Arts and Culture Project uses performance, visual arts, digital media, and community events as tools for social change and youth empowerment. The project not only serves as a cultural platform but also as a vehicle for employment, skills development, and personal transformation for young people in disadvantaged areas.
By integrating Marketing Management learners into its operations, SayPro is providing these youth with a rare opportunity to experience real-time campaign planning, audience engagement, and stakeholder communications in a community-centric environment.
Structure and Focus of the 12-Month Placement
The 15 TVET learners are being given comprehensive, supervised exposure to all key aspects of marketing and communications within a non-profit setting. Their responsibilities include:
- Market research and community needs assessments to inform SayPro’s programmes and outreach strategies
- Content creation for digital platforms, including social media management, video storytelling, and visual marketing
- Campaign design and implementation for community events, arts showcases, training programmes, and youth summits
- Assisting with branding and promotions, including the development of posters, brochures, and press materials
- Event coordination, where they support the planning and execution of SayPro’s public and educational events
- Stakeholder communication, including drafting newsletters, donor updates, and community reports
Learners receive continuous mentorship from experienced SayPro staff, weekly check-ins to review performance, and ongoing feedback to enhance both technical and soft skills. A structured learning plan, aligned with the Marketing Management curriculum, ensures that students meet their academic outcomes while also contributing value to the host organisation.
Impact on Learners and the Community
The placement is already having a profound effect on the learners and the community they serve. Most of the participating youth had never worked in a professional environment before. Now, they are learning how to function in a fast-paced team, manage real-world challenges, communicate professionally, and take initiative in their roles.
“This placement helped me understand how marketing works in the real world. I’m learning to think creatively, work with deadlines, and communicate with people from different backgrounds,” said one learner.
“Being part of SayPro has shown me how powerful marketing can be when used to change lives. We are not just promoting a product—we’re promoting purpose,” shared another.
The broader Diepsloot community also benefits from the learners’ involvement, as their efforts help increase awareness of SayPro’s free services, workshops, and development initiatives. This improved outreach is critical for ensuring that community members can access the support they need.
Personal Development and Career Readiness
Beyond technical marketing training, SayPro is committed to holistic youth development. As part of the placement, learners are also being equipped with:
- Professional communication and etiquette training
- Time management, goal setting, and productivity tools
- Teamwork and conflict resolution skills
- CV writing, interview coaching, and career planning
- Digital literacy, including software like Canva, Google Workspace, Meta Business Suite, and survey tools
At the end of the 12-month placement, learners will receive comprehensive reports, reference letters, and certificates of participation. SayPro also works to connect them with potential employers, freelance opportunities, or further study options.
A Model of Collaboration for National Development
This initiative represents a successful collaboration between government (through MICTSETA), the education sector (TVET Colleges), and civil society (SayPro). It exemplifies how coordinated partnerships can unlock the potential of South Africa’s youth and help build an inclusive, skilled, and job-ready workforce.
“These 15 young people are not just interns—they’re future professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers,” said [Insert Name], SayPro Programme Manager. “We’re proud to be part of their journey.”
SayPro calls on more private sector partners and funders to invest in similar initiatives, as they are crucial to combating unemployment and building community resilience.
Looking Ahead
Encouraged by the success of this cohort, SayPro plans to scale the programme across other provinces, extending placements in areas such as ICT, creative arts, public administration, business development, and digital innovation. Future cohorts may also benefit from hybrid learning options, national exposure, and international virtual internships through SayPro’s expanding partner network.
Conclusion
The SayPro Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project’s involvement in the MICTSETA TVET Placement Programme is more than a work experience initiative—it is a transformative platform where learning meets impact. By hosting these 15 Marketing Management learners for 12 months, SayPro is helping to build the next generation of socially conscious, highly skilled professionals ready to shape the future of South Africa.
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