Bridging the skills gap across the continent and creating a pathway for youth employment

For millions of young South Africans, finding employment is a life changing opportunity.

However, as unemployment continue to sky rock, this milestone remains inaccessible.

Statistics South Africa reported that youth unemployment in the second quarter of 2025, currently stands at 46.1%.

In simpler terms, this means that the total number of unemployed youth increased by 39 000 to 4.9 million compared to the first quarter of the year.

• Click here to learn more about the MultiChoice Talent Factory.

Every year, the struggles remain the same, as skills shortage and lack of innovation continue to intensify, unemployment will grow.

Leaving more than two thirds of South Africans continue to live in poverty.

Yet amid such struggles, there are organisations that continuously strive to be at the forefront of changing this narrative.

Inclusion is at the heart of MultiChoice’s talent philosophy.

The organisation has made it an objective to empower Africa’s next generation of storytellers, changemakers and leaders.

Through providing young people with meaningful opportunities to gain working experience.

The broadcaster ensures to develop skills and build sustainable careers beyond the media and technology industries.

• Through the YES4YOUTH partnership, MultiChoice has created 1 980 jobs. As of 2026, the organisation has onboarded more than 290 unemployed youth to offer them exposure in real business environments. Where about 35 learners have been placed at different departments within MultiChoice offices and with 1 905 of participants having been permanently employed.

• Learnerships, through combining classroom learnings with on-the-job training in fields such as sales, IT, customer service and production.

• Internship opportunities that expose students and recent graduates with practical experience in areas such as finance, marketing, engineering and human resources.

• Graduate programme offers top graduates a structured 12–24-month programme to work on impactful projects, receive mentorship and develop leadership skills.

These programmes have been designed in partnership with internal business units and external learning institutions to ensure that alignment with various industry needs are met.

Where they focus on future-fit skills such as digital marketing, cloud computing, data analytics, software engineering and media production.

“This approach ensures that young participants are industry-ready and capable of contributing to innovation in media and the technology ecosystem”, Senior Learning Specialist, Tinyiko Makuzeni adds.

Such stories are about creating a lasting impact. These initiatives have a holistic approach in development for learners.

Where participants who are part of these programmes get exposed to integrated learning and mentorship.

But more importantly, MultiChoice leverages its pan-African footprint, offering youth exposure to diverse markets and technologies.

“Several graduates have transitioned into permanent roles across the business. For example, one graduate who joined the HR function is now a Psychometrist Specialist. She has expressed that she’s truly enjoying her new role and the support she receives from her team. Her journey reflects the organisation’s commitment to nurturing talent from within and creating career mobility opportunities for young professionals,” Makuzeni explains.

Through various development initiatives, MultiChoice is committed to bridging the skills gap across the continent, particularly in areas that drive the digital economy such as data, content creation, customer experience, and emerging technologies.

“Be curious, adaptable, and passionate about learning. MultiChoice values people who are eager to grow, innovate, and make an impact. Take initiative in building your digital and professional skills. Bring your authentic self to MultiChoice celebrates creativity, collaboration, and diversity of thought”.

Lastly, “joining MultiChoice isn’t just about getting a job it’s about becoming part of Africa’s storytelling and technology journey”.

Click here to learn more about the MultiChoice Talent Factory.