Youth Employment Service (YES) ESG Awards – Signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa

October 16, 2023

•

Youth Employment Service (YES) ESG Awards.

Held on October 4 and 5, 2023, during the ESG Africa Conference. The awards honour how private firms have improved society by creating jobs.

Through job creation, economic progress, and social development, these companies have made substantial contributions to the ‘S’ in ESG. By collaborating with YES, they are empowering a whole generation to become the architects of their own success stories and agents of change in our society.

The following companies were presented with signed certificates by President Cyril Ramaphosa: Nedbank Limited, Shoprite, Toyota, Anglo American Platinum Ltd, The Foschini Group, Ford, Investec, Bidvest Protea Coin, Volkswagen SA, and BMW.

Special recognition was also given to Famous Brand, Pizza Hut, and Microsoft for their services to the sector.

A thorough analysis of the problems and solutions facing South African entrepreneurship was part of a larger conversation about how to increase the number of young people who successfully launch their own businesses using a variety of tactics and support systems. Communities and governments may foster an atmosphere that supports and encourages successful youth entrepreneurship by putting these measures into practice.

Giving young people meaningful job experience is the most important contribution business leaders can make to ensuring that South Africa has a sustainable and equitable economic future, according to YES CEO Ravi Naidoo, who was presenting the prizes. A more extensive socio-economic shift may be achieved if more corporations incorporated programs like YES into their ESG plans.

Having a large number of influential panelists who shared their insightful opinions and suggestions about how to influence youth entrepreneurship trends. With the likes of Marissa Naidoo, Antony Farr, Akhona Xotyeni, and Katlego Malinga, highlighted the things they believe can open the path ahead. Among their arguments were these ones.

Soft Skills Development: Offer training in communication, leadership, and problem-solving to enhance overall entrepreneurial competence.

Market Research: Encourage youth to conduct thorough market research to identify opportunities and customer needs

Education and Training: Offer entrepreneurship education and training programs in schools and colleges to equip young people with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Mentorship: Facilitate mentorship programs connecting experienced entrepreneurs with young aspiring ones to provide guidance and advice.

These are quality inputs and transitions that ESG and the YES program are aiming to exercise more to societies , businesses , young entrepreneurs. Quoting from Kathryn Fletcher (Director at Control Risks) having to say, it is no longer sufficient to only evaluate profit and financial factors. The government, customers, investors, and shareholders are among the stakeholders who anticipate more.

The newest trend in sustainability reporting, ESG is having a significant impact on how we allocate capital, manage our businesses, and create our strategy. This calls for a shift in the leadership perspective, one that views ESG as a competitive advantage, transformative innovation, and the center of our activities rather than as an add-on or compliance exercise.