1. Executive Summary
In a major initiative to tackle urban unemployment and digital exclusion, SayPro has partnered with Accenture South Africa to deliver Skills to Succeed (S2S) training to 2,500 individuals across major South African cities. This partnership aims to empower urban youth and job seekers with essential digital, professional, and entrepreneurial skills that can help them succeed in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
The program will run across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), and other urban centers. It will provide participants with industry-relevant competencies to improve their employability, launch small businesses, and engage with the digital economy.
2. Background and Context
2.1 Urban Unemployment in South Africa
Despite the density of economic opportunities, cities across South Africa continue to struggle with high unemployment and inequality. According to Statistics South Africa, urban areas such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban have some of the highest youth unemployment rates, with millions of young people lacking access to quality education and career pathways.
Common urban challenges include:
- Youth unemployment exceeding 55%
- High levels of crime and substance abuse in inner-city areas
- Digital divide between the formal economy and township or informal settlements within cities
- A mismatch between graduate skills and labor market demands
- Lack of affordable, accessible training and upskilling resources
2.2 Cities as Catalysts for Change
Cities have a unique potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and opportunity. With the right support and skills development strategies, urban residents—particularly young people—can become drivers of inclusive economic transformation.
3. About the Partners
3.1 SayPro (South African Youth Project)
SayPro is a nationally recognized non-profit organization specializing in youth and community development. Operating in all nine provinces, SayPro’s mission is to unlock opportunities for disadvantaged individuals through skills development, training, and holistic support services.
Key focus areas:
- Job readiness and soft skills training
- Entrepreneurship development
- Digital and technical skills
- Civic engagement and community leadership
SayPro has physical and digital training centers in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, with satellite operations in other major cities.
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global leader in digital transformation, consulting, and innovation. Through its Skills to Succeed (S2S) program, Accenture is committed to closing skills gaps and creating economic pathways for millions of people globally.
The S2S program has reached over 3 million individuals worldwide and is designed to scale using digital technology, strategic partnerships, and data-driven approaches.
4. About the Skills to Succeed (S2S) Program
4.1 What is S2S?
Skills to Succeed is an initiative by Accenture that equips individuals with the skills and tools needed to secure employment, improve workplace readiness, or start and grow a small business. It uses a blended learning model combining technology, mentorship, and community engagement.
4.2 Core Modules of S2S
- Digital Literacy
- Basic computer skills
- Internet use and digital communication
- Remote collaboration tools
- Career Readiness
- Resume building
- Interview preparation
- Navigating job portals and recruitment platforms
- Entrepreneurship
- Business model development
- Sales, marketing, and customer service
- Financial management and compliance
- Life and Soft Skills
- Time management
- Communication and emotional intelligence
- Leadership and teamwork
- Workplace Simulation
- Role-playing interviews and client interactions
- Practical problem-solving exercises
- Presentation and feedback sessions
5. Project Objectives
The SayPro–Accenture S2S Urban Initiative has five key objectives:
- Train 2,500 urban youth and unemployed individuals across major cities in South Africa.
- Improve digital and career readiness, focusing on skills required in growing industries such as ICT, retail, services, and logistics.
- Support informal entrepreneurs and micro-business owners in cities and inner-city areas.
- Enhance access to job placement, internships, and mentorship opportunities.
- Promote inclusive economic participation and reduce youth marginalization in urban spaces.
6. Target Cities and Participant Demographics
6.1 Cities Involved
The training will take place in:
| City | Key Areas Reached | Target Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | Soweto, Alexandra, Hillbrow, Braamfontein | 700 |
| Cape Town | Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Bellville | 500 |
| Durban | Umlazi, KwaMashu, Inanda | 400 |
| Pretoria | Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Soshanguve | 300 |
| Gqeberha (PE) | Zwide, KwaZakhele, New Brighton | 300 |
| East London & Others | Mdantsane, Pietermaritzburg, Polokwane | 300 |
6.2 Participant Profile
- Youth aged 18–35
- School leavers and college dropouts
- Recent graduates with no work experience
- Informal traders and micro-entrepreneurs
- Women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable urban populations
7. Implementation Strategy
7.1 Blended Learning Approach
Training will combine:
- In-person workshops at SayPro urban centers and partner venues
- Online learning modules using SayPro’s mobile-friendly Learning Management System (LMS)
- Video-based lessons and interactive tasks
- Real-time mentoring sessions from Accenture staff and SayPro alumni
7.2 Learning Materials and Support
Participants will receive:
- Digital or printed training manuals
- Access to data-light online platforms
- Mentorship and career coaching
- Support to develop individual learning and development plans
7.3 Training Schedule
Each group will undergo a 6-week program:
- 4 weeks of skills training
- 1 week of job simulation and entrepreneurship planning
- 1 week of mentorship, career clinics, and graduation
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Tracking
A strong Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework will be used to track:
- Enrollment, retention, and certification rates
- Pre- and post-assessment scores
- Job placements or internship linkages
- Entrepreneurship outcomes and follow-up support
SayPro and Accenture will publish quarterly impact reports and case studies to share progress and lessons learned.
9. Strategic Partnerships and City Collaborations
SayPro will collaborate with:
- City governments and metros
- Local TVET colleges and universities
- Private employers and recruitment agencies
- Community-based organizations (CBOs) and youth hubs
Engagement activities will include:
- City launch events and career expos
- Partnership with municipal job centers
- Alumni networking and volunteer programs
10. Key Outcomes and Long-Term Impact
Short-Term Outcomes
- 2,500 individuals trained
- At least 800 urban participants placed in jobs, internships, or apprenticeships
- 400 small urban businesses supported or launched
- Digital skills integrated into underserved communities
Long-Term Vision
- Cities become centers of inclusive innovation
- Local economies revitalized through skilled talent
- Decreased youth unemployment in targeted areas
- Stronger pipelines between training, employment, and entrepreneurship
11. Testimonials and Success Stories (To Be Collected)
Throughout the program, SayPro will collect and publish:
- Participant testimonials
- Alumni video profiles
- Employer feedback
- Stories showcasing how individuals used S2S training to access jobs, launch ventures, or become mentors
12. Opportunities for Collaboration
Employers
- Provide internships, mentorship, and job placements
- Participate in career days and industry talks
Donors and Corporate Sponsors
- Sponsor training kits, data, or devices
- Fund expansion into additional urban centers
Volunteers
- Join as career coaches or guest speakers
Government Departments
- Align training with city development and employment initiatives
- Partner on youth employment policies and impact scaling
14. Conclusion
The SayPro–Accenture urban Skills to Succeed (S2S) initiative is a timely and powerful intervention that addresses the urban youth unemployment crisis by providing practical, future-ready skills to those who need them most. Through innovation, collaboration, and a focus on impact, this partnership is lighting a path toward a more inclusive and resilient urban economy in South Africa.
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