Youth service addresses skills deficit, enabling future success

Addressing youth unemployment and the associated skills deficit are crucial for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for the South African mining sector. The private-sector-led Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative plays a key role in this effort, aligning industry needs with the development of high-potential youth, says YES strategic research and marketing services head Simona Mazza. The mining industry continues to directly employ about 481 000 people, according to Statistics South Africa, and provides at least that many jobs in supporting industries, she elaborates. Further, the industry generates substantial government revenue through taxes and royalties.