South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis received a modest but meaningful reprieve as Nedbank officially welcomed 2,150 young South Africans into its 2026 Youth Employment Service (YES) cohort at a vibrant ceremony in Sandton on Monday. The event, which brought together new recruits, bank executives, and alumni, marked the latest chapter in Nedbank’s sustained commitment to tackling one of the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
The new intake will embark on a 12-month journey gaining invaluable work experience across various divisions of the bank and its partner organisations, with placements spanning retail banking, technology, operations, and client services. Since joining the YES initiative in 2019, Nedbank has created over 19,000 one-year job opportunities for young people, making it one of the programme’s most prolific private-sector participants.
Addressing the new recruits, Nedbank Group CEO Jason Quinn urged them to think beyond their immediate roles and prioritise financial planning early in their careers. “This is not just a job; it is a launchpad,” Quinn told the audience. “Learn, save, and invest in yourselves, because your future starts today.” Bank chairperson Daniel Mminele echoed these sentiments, framing youth employment not as a charitable endeavour but as a core business imperative for the country’s long-term prosperity.
The event was punctuated with performances from Amapiano star Young Stunna, whose energetic set electrified the crowd, and a motivational address from leadership coach Zoya Mabuto Mokodito, who encouraged the recruits to embrace resilience and self-belief. Several successful YES alumni also took to the stage to share their inspiring career journeys, demonstrating that the programme can indeed be a stepping stone to permanent employment and personal growth. For the 2,150 young people in attendance, the day represented not just a job offer, but a rare opportunity to break into an economy that has too often locked them out.
About The Author
