Masana empowers SA Youth through the Yes Progam

In the face of South Africa's staggering youth unemployment crisis, Masana Energy Solutions (Masana) is demonstrating a profound commitment to empowering the nation's future workforce. By actively participating in the Youth Employment Service (YES) “Yes for Youth” program, Masana is creating critical pathways to employment for young people who, find themselves without employment opportunities. South Africa's youth unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the world. The latest data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey done by Statistics South Africa, shows that a significant percentage of individuals aged 15-34 are unemployed, creating a critical social and economic challenge. A primary barrier for these young job seekers is the "experience trap," where they cannot secure a job without experience, but cannot gain experience without a job. The YES for Youth program directly confronts this issue, and partners like Masana are proving to be essential catalysts for change. News CSI MASANA EMPOWERS SA YOUTH THROUGH THE YES PROGRAM Masana Petroleum Solutions is committed to uplifting communities through focused Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives. Key areas include Education, Youth Development, Health, Environment, and Community Development. These efforts reflect Masana’s dedication to responsible corporate citizenship and positive social impact in South Africa. “Since joining the initiative in 2023, Masana has provided an opportunity for structured, quality work experience for 56 unemployed young people. This is not just a statistic; it represents 56 lives transformed with the opportunity to develop crucial on-the-job skills to help tackle the "experience trap" challenge and build a professional foundation. Underscoring our commitment to sustainable careers, Masana aims to transition at least five of these individuals into permanent roles, turning practical training into long-term employment”, says Morena Sithole, Managing Director of Masana. The YES for Youth program, a groundbreaking collaboration between the private sector, government, and labour, stands as the country's largest private-sector-funded pipeline for new talent. Its impact is formidable: · Over 135,913 work experiences have been created for youth across South Africa since its inception. · This has injected a remarkable R7.4 billion directly into the economy through youth salaries. “By investing in the YES program, Masana is not only fulfilling its corporate social responsibility but is also creating tangible opportunities amidst the national crisis. By equipping young South Africans with the skills and experience they desperately need, Masana is helping to build a more inclusive, skilled, and prosperous future for all’, concludes Morena Sithole.