1. Executive Summary
In a bold and transformative move to address structural unemployment, digital exclusion, and economic inequality in South Africa’s underserved areas, SayPro (South African Youth Project) has partnered with Accenture South Africa to roll out a national initiative offering Skills to Succeed (S2S) training to 2,500 individuals across multiple townships. The initiative aims to provide young people and marginalized adults with essential digital, entrepreneurial, and work-readiness skills tailored to the demands of the 21st-century economy.
This initiative marks a significant expansion of SayPro’s long-standing commitment to youth and community development and reflects Accenture’s dedication to inclusive growth through its global Corporate Citizenship efforts.
2. Background and Context
2.1 The Challenge of Township Unemployment
Townships across South Africa—such as Soweto, Khayelitsha, Umlazi, Mdantsane, Tembisa, Mamelodi, and Alexandra—have historically suffered from systemic neglect, limited infrastructure, and inadequate access to education and employment. Unemployment in some of these areas reaches over 60% among youth, with many residents unable to access formal job markets or start sustainable businesses.
Key challenges include:
- Limited access to digital technology
- Poor public transport linking townships to job centers
- Gaps in vocational training and entrepreneurship support
- High rates of school dropout, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse
2.2 An Opportunity for Change
South Africa is in the midst of a youth dividend—with over 66% of the population under the age of 35. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Through strategic investment in skills training, township residents can become powerful drivers of economic recovery and innovation.
3. About the Partner Organizations
3.1 SayPro – South African Youth Project
SayPro is a registered nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of disadvantaged youth and communities across South Africa. With operational hubs in every province, SayPro specializes in:
- Career guidance and job readiness
- Digital literacy and technology training
- Social development and life skills
- Business skills and entrepreneurship programs
SayPro’s township-based model includes mobile classrooms, community centers, and local trainers deeply embedded in the communities they serve.
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global leader in consulting, technology, and digital transformation. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, particularly the Skills to Succeed (S2S) initiative, Accenture seeks to bridge the skills gap and empower underrepresented groups in society to participate meaningfully in the global economy.
The S2S initiative aims to equip 3 million people globally by 2025 with the skills to secure employment or launch enterprises, and South Africa is a key focus in this global mission.
4. About the Skills to Succeed (S2S) Program
4.1 What is S2S?
Skills to Succeed (S2S) is a proven, high-impact, scalable program designed to prepare people for employment and entrepreneurship. The program combines digital training, mentoring, and career support to help individuals navigate the job market or start their own businesses.
4.2 Core Focus Areas of S2S Training
- Digital Literacy
- Basic computer skills
- Introduction to productivity tools (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace)
- Safe online behavior
- Work Readiness
- CV creation and job applications
- Interview skills and professional communication
- Time management and workplace behavior
- Entrepreneurship
- Business planning
- Budgeting and financial literacy
- Customer relations and marketing
- Soft Skills
- Critical thinking
- Emotional intelligence
- Team collaboration and leadership
5. Program Objectives
The primary goals of the SayPro–Accenture S2S Township Initiative include:
5.1 Enhancing Employability
To help township residents gain practical skills that improve their chances of securing jobs in formal and informal sectors.
5.2 Fostering Entrepreneurship
To support individuals who wish to start their own businesses or improve existing informal ventures.
5.3 Driving Digital Inclusion
To bridge the digital divide by giving participants access to tech tools, online platforms, and foundational digital skills.
5.4 Promoting Community Empowerment
To build the resilience and capacity of township communities through skills, mentorship, and empowerment.
6. Target Beneficiaries
The program will prioritize:
- Youth aged 18–35 who are unemployed or not in education or training (NEET)
- Women and single mothers
- People with disabilities
- Aspiring entrepreneurs
- High school graduates from low-income households
Special outreach campaigns will be conducted in rural townships and peri-urban areas to reach participants who are traditionally excluded from mainstream programs.
7. Implementation Strategy
7.1 Multi-Township Rollout
The program will be implemented across seven major townships in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape:
| Province | Township | Target Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Soweto, Tembisa, Alexandra | 1,200 |
| Western Cape | Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain | 500 |
| KZN | Umlazi | 400 |
| Eastern Cape | Mdantsane | 400 |
7.2 Training Format
- In-person sessions at community centers and SayPro hubs
- Mobile classrooms for areas with limited infrastructure
- Online training modules via a low-data LMS platform
- Mentorship and coaching through Accenture volunteers and SayPro alumni
Each cohort will undergo 6–8 weeks of intensive training, with modules that allow for self-paced learning as well as group engagement.
7.3 Language and Accessibility
Training materials will be translated into isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, and Afrikaans to accommodate diverse language backgrounds. Facilitators will also ensure training is inclusive for individuals with disabilities.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation
A comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework will be used to track:
- Enrollment and retention
- Training completion and certification rates
- Employment or business start-up outcomes
- Learner satisfaction and confidence gains
Real-time dashboards will be accessible to partners and funders to ensure transparency and adaptive management.
9. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
9.1 Local Government and Councils
SayPro will collaborate with local municipalities, ward councillors, and community leaders to ensure alignment with local development plans and to secure venue access and recruitment support.
9.2 Private Sector Collaboration
Beyond Accenture, the program will engage:
- SMEs for internships and job placements
- Retail and logistics firms seeking entry-level talent
- Banks and fintechs to support emerging entrepreneurs
9.3 Civil Society and Media
The initiative will be promoted through:
- Local radio
- Community newsletters
- Social media campaigns
- Community open days and graduation ceremonies
10. Expected Outcomes and Impact
Short-Term Impact
- 2,500 township residents trained and certified
- At least 600 secure jobs or internships within 6 months
- Over 300 launch or formalize small businesses
Long-Term Impact
- Increased household incomes
- Strengthened local micro-economies
- Greater digital inclusion in townships
- Empowered youth networks and leadership pipelines
11. Sustainability and Future Plans
To ensure long-term sustainability:
- SayPro will provide post-training support including coaching, refresher workshops, and peer networking
- A Job Placement Portal will be developed, linking graduates with employers
- Accenture will explore scaling the program to 10,000+ beneficiaries by 2027
- Township graduates will be recruited as future trainers and mentors
12. Success Stories (To Be Documented)
Throughout the implementation, SayPro will collect:
- Video stories from graduates
- Case studies of job placements and business launches
- Testimonials from employers and mentors
These will be used to showcase impact and mobilize support for future rollouts.
13. How to Get Involved
For Employers:
Offer internships, jobs, or job shadowing opportunities to program graduates.
For Donors and Funders:
Sponsor learners, provide digital tools or stipends, or support expansion into more townships.
For Civil Society:
Partner on recruitment, venue access, or support services like childcare and transport.
15. Conclusion
This partnership between SayPro and Accenture is more than a skills training program—it is a catalyst for transformation in South African townships. By equipping 2,500 individuals with Skills to Succeed, the initiative takes a firm step toward a more equitable, inclusive, and economically vibrant South Africa. Through collaboration, technology, and community trust, SayPro and Accenture are unlocking potential and building a future where no one is left behind.
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