1. Introduction
In a transformative move to combat youth unemployment and equip young people with in-demand skills, the South African Youth Project (SayPro) has announced a strategic partnership with Accenture South Africa. The collaboration aims to deliver comprehensive training in Project Management to 50 youth participants, empowering them with the necessary knowledge, tools, and certification to thrive in the professional environment.
This partnership underscores the shared commitment between SayPro and Accenture to drive social impact through education, skills development, and meaningful employment opportunities.
2. Background
2.1 About SayPro
The South African Youth Project (SayPro) is a leading youth-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by young people across the continent. SayPro’s mission centers on fostering economic participation among youth through training, entrepreneurship support, mentoring, and access to employment opportunities. Since its inception, SayPro has impacted the lives of thousands of youth across South Africa and beyond, focusing on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and vocational training.
2.2 About Accenture
Accenture is a globally recognized professional services company with extensive capabilities in digital, cloud, and security. With a deep commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Accenture actively collaborates with public and private sectors to develop initiatives that address societal needs. The company’s partnership with SayPro reflects its broader ambition to close the digital divide and create inclusive economic growth.
3. Rationale Behind the Partnership
3.1 Addressing Youth Unemployment
South Africa continues to face a significant youth unemployment crisis. According to Stats SA, over 60% of young people are unemployed, many of whom lack access to formal skills training and economic opportunities. By offering training in Project Management—a skillset in high demand across multiple industries—this initiative helps bridge the gap between education and employment.
3.2 Industry-Relevant Training
Project Management is a core competency in today’s professional world. Whether in construction, IT, marketing, or development sectors, certified project managers play a critical role in planning, execution, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder communication. The program is designed to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring participants are job-ready.
4. Overview of the Training Programme
4.1 Programme Structure
The training will be rolled out over a period of 8–12 weeks and includes:
- Project Management Fundamentals
- Project Planning and Execution
- Time and Resource Management
- Stakeholder Communication
- Agile and Waterfall Methodologies
- Risk Management and Quality Control
- Use of Project Management Tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Trello, Asana)
- Real-life Case Studies and Team Projects
The program will conclude with a certification of completion jointly awarded by SayPro and Accenture.
4.2 Training Delivery
The training will be delivered through a hybrid model:
- Online Modules (for flexibility and accessibility)
- In-Person Workshops (for practical engagement and group projects)
- Mentorship Sessions (led by Accenture professionals and SayPro alumni)
- Assessments and Capstone Project (to test application of skills)
4.3 Trainer and Mentor Engagement
Industry professionals, including Accenture consultants and certified project managers, will serve as guest lecturers and mentors. This exposure gives participants a unique opportunity to learn directly from those with first-hand experience managing complex projects across various sectors.
5. Selection Criteria and Beneficiaries
5.1 Eligibility
The program targets young South Africans between the ages of 18–35 who are:
- Currently unemployed or underemployed
- Interested in building a career in business, tech, or development
- Holding at least a Grade 12 qualification or equivalent
- Able to commit to the duration of the program
Priority is given to previously disadvantaged individuals, including women and youth from rural or peri-urban areas.
5.2 Application Process
Applicants were invited to submit:
- A motivation letter
- A copy of their CV
- Proof of identity and academic qualifications
Following a rigorous selection process, 50 youth participants were selected from a pool of over 800 applicants, underscoring the high demand and need for such initiatives.
6. Impact and Expected Outcomes
6.1 Empowerment Through Skills
Upon completion, participants will gain:
- Formal training in Project Management
- Enhanced employability
- Improved confidence in professional environments
- Access to mentorship and networks
- Digital literacy and workplace readiness
6.2 Economic Inclusion
The training is not just a skill-building exercise—it is a gateway to economic participation. SayPro and Accenture have pledged to support participants with:
- Access to internships or job placement support
- Connections to industry recruiters
- Entrepreneurship and freelancing guidance
6.3 Social Impact
Beyond economic empowerment, the program promotes:
- Youth leadership and civic engagement
- Reduction in social inequality
- Increased representation of skilled black professionals in project-based industries
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
A joint Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team from SayPro and Accenture will track the progress of participants through:
- Pre- and post-assessment surveys
- Continuous feedback loops
- Employer satisfaction surveys (for those placed)
- Alumni tracking over 12 months
Impact reports will be shared publicly to ensure transparency and to inspire similar models across the country.
8. Voices from the Programme
Participant Testimony
“This training is a life-changing opportunity for me. I have always dreamed of working in the corporate world but lacked the skills and mentorship to get there. Thanks to SayPro and Accenture, I now believe in my potential.”
— Naledi M., 23, Gauteng
SayPro CEO Statement
“At SayPro, we believe that young people are the future architects of our society. By investing in project management training, we are giving them the tools to take charge, lead effectively, and create meaningful change.”
— Ms. Lerato Mokoena, CEO of SayPro
Accenture Representative
“This partnership is about impact. At Accenture, we are committed to using our resources and expertise to uplift communities and create inclusive opportunities for growth. Together with SayPro, we are proud to be empowering the next generation of leaders.”
— Mr. Sipho Dlamini, CSR Lead at Accenture SA
9. Future Prospects and Scaling
Following the success of this cohort, SayPro and Accenture aim to:
- Expand the training to 200+ youth annually
- Include advanced certifications like PMP® (Project Management Professional)
- Offer specialized tracks (e.g., Construction, IT, NGO project management)
- Build a Project Management Youth Academy in partnership with local and international donors
10. Conclusion
The SayPro–Accenture Project Management Training Programme is more than a skills intervention—it is a blueprint for sustainable youth development. In a world where adaptability, leadership, and planning are essential, equipping young people with project management capabilities prepares them to not only access jobs but to lead projects, businesses, and social movements.
This initiative reflects what is possible when civil society and the private sector work hand in hand: transforming lives, one youth at a time.
Leave a Reply