Introduction
In a significant move to foster skills development and economic empowerment, the South African Youth Project (SayPro) has announced a strategic partnership with global professional services company, Accenture. This collaboration aims to provide intensive Project Management training to 50 individuals residing in underdeveloped townships across South Africa.
The initiative is designed to bridge the skills gap among unemployed youth, improve employability, and enhance entrepreneurial capacity within marginalized communities. By combining SayPro’s community engagement strengths with Accenture’s global expertise in project management and digital transformation, this program stands as a powerful force for socio-economic change.
Background and Context
The State of Youth Unemployment in South Africa
South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of youth unemployment, with the rate sitting above 50% for individuals between the ages of 15 and 34. Township communities are among the most affected, with limited access to quality education, training, and employment opportunities.
Need for Project Management Skills
Project Management is one of the most in-demand skillsets in today’s economy, applicable across industries such as construction, IT, finance, healthcare, and public administration. However, many young people in underserved areas lack exposure to or training in these disciplines.
Recognizing this gap, SayPro and Accenture have come together to address the challenge head-on by offering accredited project management training, aligned with industry standards and real-world needs.
About the Partners
SayPro – South African Youth Project
SayPro is a leading non-profit organization committed to youth development, skills training, entrepreneurship, and job placement. With a strong footprint in townships and rural areas, SayPro has successfully trained and empowered thousands of youth through a variety of programs, including digital literacy, leadership, and career development.
Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global professional services company with capabilities in strategy, consulting, technology, and operations. As a firm deeply committed to innovation and inclusive growth, Accenture has a strong track record of investing in community development and sustainable impact initiatives across the African continent.
Program Overview
Objective
The core objective of the training initiative is to equip 50 unemployed or underemployed township residents with project management skills, enabling them to either:
- Secure entry-level employment in project-based roles
- Start their own small businesses or consultancies
- Continue further studies or certifications in project management
Target Beneficiaries
- Youth between the ages of 18 and 35
- Residents of township areas such as Soweto, Khayelitsha, Mdantsane, Tembisa, and others
- Individuals with a matric certificate or higher
- Preferably those who are actively seeking employment or entrepreneurial opportunities
Training Content and Curriculum
Duration and Format
- Training Period: 6 weeks
- Delivery Mode: Blended learning (in-person workshops and online sessions)
- Assessment: Practical group projects, individual assignments, and a final exam
Modules Covered
- Introduction to Project Management
- Understanding projects and operations
- The role of a project manager
- Project Life Cycle
- Initiating
- Planning
- Executing
- Monitoring and controlling
- Closing
- Project Planning Tools
- Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
- Gantt Charts
- Risk management matrices
- Budgeting and cost control
- Project Communication and Team Management
- Leadership and motivation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Effective reporting techniques
- Software and Digital Tools
- Introduction to Microsoft Project
- Basic Excel for project tracking
- Cloud collaboration tools like Google Workspace and Trello
- Case Studies and Real-World Scenarios
- Projects in infrastructure
- NGO and community-based projects
- Small business development projects
Accreditation and Certification
At the end of the training, participants will receive:
- SayPro Certificate of Completion
- Endorsement Letter from Accenture
- A Portfolio of Evidence to demonstrate practical application of knowledge
Participants will also be guided on how to pursue additional qualifications such as PMI’s CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) and PRINCE2 Foundation.
Support Services and Post-Training Opportunities
Mentorship and Coaching
Each participant will be matched with a professional mentor from Accenture or SayPro’s alumni network. Mentorship will focus on:
- Career planning
- CV development
- Interview preparation
- Workplace readiness
Internships and Job Placements
SayPro and Accenture will work collaboratively to secure internship placements for top-performing graduates in relevant industries, including:
- NGOs
- Local government departments
- Private sector companies
- Startups and tech hubs
Entrepreneurial Support
For participants with a business idea, SayPro will provide:
- Access to business development services
- Micro-grant application assistance
- Training on project-based consulting and freelancing
Impact and Community Development
Empowering Local Economies
The training is not only about upskilling individuals but about activating township economies through the ripple effects of employment and business creation.
Graduates of the program will be encouraged to replicate community-based projects in their own neighborhoods, with the support of SayPro’s infrastructure and ongoing guidance.
Gender Inclusion and Diversity
A deliberate focus has been placed on gender inclusivity, with at least 60% of the cohort expected to be women, in line with both SayPro and Accenture’s gender equality goals.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The program will incorporate a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework, which includes:
- Pre- and post-training assessments
- Participant feedback surveys
- Skills audit and impact metrics
- Progress tracking at 3-month and 6-month intervals
Regular reporting will be shared with stakeholders, funders, and community partners to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.
Sustainability and Future Plans
This pilot program for 50 individuals is intended to be the first phase of a multi-year initiative. Depending on its success, SayPro and Accenture are exploring the possibility of:
- Scaling the program to 500+ participants annually
- Introducing advanced project management certifications
- Expanding into rural provinces and neighboring countries
Accenture is also evaluating how participants can be absorbed into its global delivery network, thereby opening international career pathways for township youth.
Conclusion
This partnership between SayPro and Accenture represents more than just training; it’s a transformative intervention that offers hope, skills, and opportunities to youth who are often overlooked.
By investing in project management training in township areas, both organizations are reaffirming their commitment to inclusive development, social equity, and sustainable empowerment.
Together, they are helping to build a new generation of professionals and entrepreneurs who will lead community change from the inside out.
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