1. Executive Summary
In an effort to address the persistent challenges of unemployment, undereducation, and digital exclusion in rural South Africa, SayPro (South African Youth Project) has joined forces with Accenture South Africa to launch a transformative training initiative. The program aims to train 2,500 individuals from remote and rural communities through the globally recognized Skills to Succeed (S2S) framework developed by Accenture.
This program will not only equip rural youth and adults with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship, but also help bridge the digital divide, foster community development, and contribute to inclusive economic recovery.
2. Background and Context
2.1 Rural South Africa: A Snapshot of Inequality
Rural communities across provinces like Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal face systemic barriers including:
- High unemployment rates (especially among youth and women)
- Limited access to technology and internet
- Under-resourced schools and training facilities
- Outmigration to urban areas in search of opportunities
- Lack of formal business support for rural entrepreneurs
Despite these challenges, rural areas are rich in human potential, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit. What they often lack is access to structured, relevant, and empowering training opportunities.
2.2 SayPro’s Rural Development Mandate
SayPro has identified rural empowerment as a key pillar in its national development strategy. With an existing presence in over 70 rural municipalities, the organization has built relationships with local leaders, schools, traditional authorities, and community-based organizations to ensure grassroots-level impact.
3. About the Partners
3.1 SayPro – South African Youth Project
SayPro is a leading nonprofit working to combat poverty, unemployment, and inequality by delivering youth-focused, community-based training and development programs. With over a decade of experience in:
- Work readiness programs
- Entrepreneurship and business development
- Digital education
- Community outreach and advocacy
SayPro has impacted over 100,000 lives nationwide and is uniquely positioned to deliver training in the most underserved rural communities.
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global professional services leader known for delivering innovation and digital transformation. Through its Skills to Succeed (S2S) initiative, Accenture is helping people around the world acquire the skills they need to gain meaningful employment or build sustainable businesses.
S2S is part of Accenture’s corporate commitment to inclusive growth, innovation for good, and empowering communities through technology.
4. The Skills to Succeed (S2S) Program
4.1 Overview
Skills to Succeed (S2S) is a structured training program that blends digital content, experiential learning, and practical mentorship to help individuals:
- Become job-ready
- Start and grow their own businesses
- Understand and use technology effectively
4.2 Curriculum Components
| Module | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Digital Literacy | Basic computer use, mobile apps, internet navigation, safety |
| Career Readiness | CV writing, interview skills, professional behavior |
| Entrepreneurship | Business ideation, budgeting, customer engagement, compliance |
| Life Skills | Communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, resilience |
| Financial Literacy | Personal budgeting, saving, banking, mobile money usage |
| Work Ethics | Time management, accountability, teamwork |
All training content will be localized and translated to cater to non-English speakers in rural communities.
5. Program Objectives
The primary goals of the SayPro–Accenture rural S2S initiative are:
- To empower 2,500 individuals in rural South Africa with employability and entrepreneurial skills.
- To improve digital inclusion and bridge the rural-urban skills gap.
- To stimulate local economies by encouraging small business development.
- To strengthen community resilience through education and opportunity.
6. Target Beneficiaries
The program will prioritize individuals who:
- Are aged 18 to 35
- Are unemployed or underemployed
- Live in rural villages, farming towns, or traditional communities
- Are women, especially single mothers and heads of households
- Have low formal education or dropped out of school
- Are aspiring entrepreneurs or currently run informal businesses
7. Training Model and Delivery Strategy
7.1 Localized Training Hubs
SayPro will establish temporary training hubs in accessible rural locations using:
- School classrooms after hours
- Community halls
- Churches and tribal council centers
Where venues are unavailable, mobile training units (vans with digital classrooms) will be deployed.
7.2 Blended Learning Approach
- Offline-first digital content that works without internet
- In-person facilitation by trained community youth mentors
- Workbooks and printed materials for those without digital access
- Mentoring and coaching from SayPro alumni and Accenture volunteers
7.3 Training Schedule
Each training cohort will run for 6 to 8 weeks, followed by:
- Business pitch days
- Job interview simulations
- Certificate ceremonies
8. Provincial Rollout Plan
| Province | Target Districts/Areas | Planned Participants |
|---|---|---|
| Limpopo | Sekhukhune, Giyani, Thohoyandou | 600 |
| Eastern Cape | Lusikisiki, Mthatha, Butterworth | 500 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Nongoma, Jozini, Nkandla | 500 |
| Free State | QwaQwa, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu | 300 |
| Mpumalanga | Bushbuckridge, Carolina, Nkomazi | 300 |
| Northern Cape | Kuruman, Springbok | 300 |
9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
A robust Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system will track:
- Training completion rates
- Pre- and post-skills assessments
- Employment and business launch outcomes
- Community feedback and testimonials
A live dashboard will enable real-time tracking of program success and allow SayPro and Accenture to make data-driven decisions.
10. Expected Outcomes and Impact
Short-Term Outcomes
- 2,500 rural individuals trained and certified
- 500+ participants placed in formal/informal jobs
- 400+ new rural microenterprises supported
- 60% of participants report improved confidence and job readiness
Long-Term Impact
- Greater economic activity in rural areas
- Reduction in youth migration to urban centers
- Increased digital and financial inclusion
- Strengthened capacity of rural communities to support future development
11. Community Engagement Strategy
SayPro will work closely with:
- Traditional leaders and tribal authorities
- Ward councillors and rural municipalities
- Community-based organizations (CBOs)
- Rural radio stations and local print media
Community launch events, open days, and career fairs will be held to increase program visibility and engagement.
12. Challenges and Mitigation
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lack of internet infrastructure | Offline-capable content, use of preloaded tablets and USBs |
| Transport barriers | Mobile training units, travel stipends where possible |
| Language diversity | Multilingual facilitators and training materials |
| Low digital literacy | Dedicated intro sessions and simple, intuitive learning tools |
13. Sustainability Plan
Post-Training Support
- Ongoing mentorship
- Access to SayPro’s job matching and small business support portals
- Alumni groups for peer-to-peer learning
Institutional Partnerships
- Collaborations with SETAs, TVET colleges, and rural development agencies
- Employer networks for rural job placements
Expansion Vision
Accenture and SayPro aim to scale this model to train 10,000 individuals in rural areas by 2027, with increased integration of green economy skills, agriculture technology, and remote working skills.
14. How to Get Involved
Employers
- Offer job opportunities, internships, or mentorship
Funders and Sponsors
- Support expansion to more rural communities
- Provide equipment, data, or transport subsidies
Volunteers
- Join as mentors, facilitators, or career coaches
Rural NGOs and CBOs
- Partner with SayPro to recruit participants and host sessions
15. Contact Information
South African Youth Project (SayPro)
Website: www.saypro.online
Email: info@saypro.online
Phone: +27 81 512 3187
WhatsApp: +27 78 657 8805
Facebook: SayPro Youth Development
Accenture South Africa – CSR & Skills to Succeed Team
Website: www.accenture.com/za-en
Email: skills2succeed@accenture.com
16. Conclusion
The SayPro and Accenture rural S2S initiative is more than a training program—it’s a rural revival strategy. By equipping 2,500 rural residents with relevant, practical, and life-changing skills, the program is tackling deep-rooted structural inequalities and planting seeds for economic growth, community resilience, and national transformation.
Rural South Africa has always held the key to sustainable development—this program helps unlock that potential.
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