First YES Community Hub launches in Tembisa

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With over 60% of South Africa’s unemployed residing in townships, the first hub in Tembisa will assist small businesses in absorbing youth labour.

The Hub is equipped with modern technology and skilled staff. It is designed as an inclusive and engaging platform through which existing and aspiring small business can elevate their business or ideas.

The youth are also able to access training that positions them for the modern economy and for work in small business.

The YES Community Hubs provide sorely needed business infrastructure in rural areas and township communities as well as seed new nodes of economic activity and growth in disadvantaged communities.

The launch of the Hub is part of the SMME Development Strategy of the YES initiative. YES is a business-led initiative supported by government and labour that aims to empower one million unemployed youth by offering them a first chance at a quality, paid work opportunity.

The goal is to establish 100 of these hubs across South Africa.

Each YES Hub will be unique and designed with the community in mind and aligned to the local economic environment.

“The launch of our first Hub in Tembisa is a visible demonstration of our thinking brought to life – a true partnership between government, corporates and the community. This one is the start in reaching our million youth,” says Tashmia Ismail-Saville, CEO of YES.

“These Hubs are more than just a space. It is a symbol of opportunity and a means for our youth to develop and grow their skills where they live, and ultimately empower themselves to achieve a better future,” says Ismail-Saville.

The YES Hub in Tembisa was made possible through investments from Sanlam, Investec and Unilever.