In South Africa, the journey from education to employment is often fraught with challenges. With youth unemployment rates at a staggering 43%, many young individuals struggle to find a foothold in the job market.

The Phakama! Youth Activation Programme aims to bridge this gap, offering essential skills and opportunities to youth who are otherwise excluded from the formal job market. Through our targeted streams, including barista training, we equip young people with both the technical and personal and professional development training needed to thrive in the workforce. Agcobile Mhlambiso, a 23-year-old from the Langa, is one such example. When she joined our barista training intake in January 2023, Agcobile had been facing the common hurdle of finding meaningful employment. However, after completing the Phakama! Barista Training Programme, Agcobile’s future took an exciting new direction. 

In South Africa, despite significant strides in nationwide initiatives and progressive constitutional measures aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV), a harsh reality persists, casting a pervasive shadow over countless lives and communities.

Statistics reveal the stark reality of South Africa’s battle against GBV; termed the “rape capital of the world,” the nation witnessed a staggering 10,818 reported rape cases in the first quarter of 2022 alone. Shockingly, the rate of women killed by intimate partners in South Africa is five times higher than the global average (1). These figures underscore the pressing need for intervention and prevention initiatives to address GBV effectively. With Sustainable Development Goal 5 aiming to achieve gender equality and to empower all women and girls by 2030, urgent action is required to tackle this crisis and protect the most vulnerable members of society.

The effects of GBV and crime extend far beyond the immediate acts, profoundly affecting individuals and communities alike. GBV, in its various forms, inflicts enduring harm, negatively impacting women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health (2). Additionally, GBV poses a significant economic burden; in 2019, estimates revealed that South Africa incurred losses exceeding R36 billion in medical expenses, human capital, and judicial costs as a result of gender-based violence (3). Persistent public attitudes, political inertia, and institutional challenges serve to entrench GBV, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to confront and eradicate these pervasive issues.

The need for interventions and programmes addressing GBV and crime in South Africa is clear. The stark statistics and profound impacts underscore the urgency of comprehensive efforts to prevent, address, and eliminate gender-based violence. It is important for all stakeholders, including NGOs, to actively contribute to raising awareness and providing support to victims of GBV and crime.

With youth unemployment rates soaring, it has become crucial to provide avenues for skill acquisition and economic empowerment. With a mission to instill valuable skills, the Just Grace Phakama! Youth Activation Programme offers a path for youth to break out of the NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) cycle and acquire the skills necessary for meaningful employment opportunities. Our course has three streams, all aimed at holistically developing youth with both the technical skills and soft skills for success.

Among our many graduates who have found amazing employment opportunities stands Nokutula, a resilient young woman whose journey from student to employed exemplifies the transformative power of skills development programmes and Just Grace’s efficacy in nurturing talent and fostering self-sufficiency.

Gender-based violence (GBV) casts a dark shadow over South Africa, affecting countless lives and communities. At Just Grace, we are steadfast in our determination to catalyse change. Through our GBV workshops, we are actively working to address this pressing issue with the unwavering support of the Department of Social Development.

In a world where opportunities often seem out of reach, stories of resilience and transformation shine as beacons of hope. One such story is that of Bongeka, a determined individual who, after facing two years of unemployment, found her path to success through the Barista training programme offered by Just Grace. Bongeka’s journey is a testament to the power of skills development, community support, and perseverance.