UNEMPLOYED YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UYDP) 2026/27

Submitted to:

Programme Funding Authority

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Province:

Gauteng

District Coverage:

All District Municipalities within Gauteng Province

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Submitted By:

SayPro

Youth Development Institution

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Proposal Title:

Implementation of the Unemployed Youth Development Programme (UYDP) 2026/27 Across Priority Sectors in Gauteng

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Programme Period:

April 2026 – March 2027

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Target Beneficiaries:

• Unemployed Youth (18–35 years)
• Women and Young Women
• Persons with Disabilities
• TVET and NCV Graduates
• CET Learners

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL – UNEMPLOYED YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UYDP) 2026/27 – GAUTENG PROVINCE

Dear Sir/Madam,

SayPro hereby formally submits its proposal for the implementation of the Unemployed Youth Development Programme (UYDP) 2026/27) across all district municipalities in Gauteng.

As a dedicated Youth Development Institution, SayPro is committed to empowering unemployed youth, women, and persons with disabilities through structured skills development, workplace exposure, and entrepreneurship support. We believe that sustainable economic participation begins with accessible, industry-aligned training and meaningful employment pathways.

This proposal outlines a comprehensive implementation model that integrates:

• Accredited skills training in priority sectors
• Workplace-based learning and internships
• Artisan and non-artisan development pathways
• Renewable energy and ICT digital economy skills
• Mining-related and community development skills
• Entrepreneurship incubation and cooperative support
• Strong monitoring, evaluation, and compliance systems

SayPro proposes to enroll 1,000 unemployed youth during the 2026/27 financial year, ensuring equitable participation of women and persons with disabilities. Our programme model emphasizes quality assurance, industry partnerships, digital learner tracking, and measurable employment outcomes.

We are confident that our institutional experience, governance systems, and strategic partnerships position SayPro as a capable and reliable implementing partner for this programme.

We appreciate the opportunity to submit this proposal and look forward to the possibility of contributing meaningfully to youth employment and economic transformation in Gauteng Province.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information or supporting documentation.

Yours faithfully,

Puluko Graham Nkiwane
Chief Marketing Officer
SayPro

1. INTRODUCTION

SayPro hereby submits this formal proposal for the implementation of the Unemployed Youth Development Programme (UYDP) 2026/27 across all district municipalities in Gauteng Province.

Youth unemployment remains one of the most urgent socio-economic challenges facing South Africa. In Gauteng, despite being the economic hub of the country, thousands of young people remain excluded from meaningful employment due to:

• Limited access to accredited skills programmes
• Lack of workplace exposure
• Skills mismatch with industry needs
• Barriers to entry for women and persons with disabilities
• Limited entrepreneurial support systems

SayPro proposes a structured, inclusive, and industry-aligned intervention that integrates skills development, workplace-based learning, and entrepreneurship support to improve sustainable employment outcomes.

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2. ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND

SayPro is a Youth Development Institution committed to empowering communities by enabling girls, youth, women, and persons with disabilities to access technology, health, education, and economic opportunities.

2.1 Vision

To create skilled, empowered, and economically active youth communities.

2.2 Mission

To deliver inclusive, high-impact skills development programmes that promote employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.

2.3 Institutional Experience

SayPro has experience in:

• Accredited skills programme implementation
• Learnership and internship management
• Artisan development and ARPL support
• Renewable energy (solar installation) training
• ICT and digital economy programmes
• Monitoring & Evaluation systems
• Employer partnerships and placement coordination
• Youth entrepreneurship incubation

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3. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

3.1 Youth Unemployment in Gauteng

Gauteng continues to experience high youth unemployment levels, particularly among:

• Youth aged 18–35
• TVET College graduates
• NCV Level 4 graduates
• Youth from township and rural communities
• Young women
• Persons with disabilities

Despite economic activity in mining, manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, hospitality, and agriculture, many young people lack the required occupational competencies and workplace readiness skills.

3.2 Skills Gap

Key skills shortages exist in:

• Solar PV installation
• Digital administration and ICT services
• Mining support services
• Occupational health and safety
• Agro-processing
• Hospitality operations

There is a strong need for structured programmes that integrate theoretical training with workplace exposure.

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4. PROGRAMME RATIONALE

The SayPro Unemployed Youth Development Programme 2026/27 is designed to:

• Respond to sector-specific skills shortages
• Improve youth employability
• Support inclusive economic participation
• Promote gender equity
• Strengthen renewable energy capacity
• Support small-scale mining and beneficiation
• Enhance digital economy participation

The programme integrates training, practical exposure, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support to ensure measurable and sustainable impact.

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5. PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

5.1 Overall Objective

To improve sustainable employment and entrepreneurship outcomes for unemployed youth across Gauteng Province.

5.2 Specific Objectives

1. Enroll 1,000 unemployed youth across priority sectors.
2. Ensure minimum 50% participation of women.
3. Ensure at least 10% inclusion of persons with disabilities.
4. Provide workplace exposure to at least 60% of participants.
5. Facilitate employment or entrepreneurship pathways for at least 60% of completers.
6. Strengthen partnerships with employers and industry stakeholders.

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6. TARGET BENEFICIARIES

The programme will target:

• Unemployed youth aged 18–35
• Women and young women
• Persons with disabilities
• Youth from township and rural communities
• TVET and CET graduates
• NCV Level 4 graduates

Selection criteria will ensure transparency, equity, and alignment with programme objectives.

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7. GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

Implementation will take place across all district municipalities within:

Gauteng

Training delivery will be decentralised to improve accessibility and reduce transportation barriers.

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8. PROGRAMME COMPONENTS

The SayPro UYDP 2026/27 will consist of the following integrated components:

8.1 Recruitment & Selection

• Community mobilisation
• Digital and physical application processes
• Screening and verification
• Career profiling and guidance

8.2 Accredited Skills Training

Training aligned to priority sectors:

• Agricultural Skills
• Agro Processing
• Mining Related Skills
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Renewable Energy (Solar Installation)
• ICT / Digital Economy

8.3 Workplace-Based Learning

• Structured internships
• P1/P2 workplace experience
• Employer mentorship
• Workplace coaching

8.4 Entrepreneurship & Cooperative Support

• Business development training
• Cooperative registration support
• Market linkage facilitation
• Financial literacy training

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9. PRIORITY SECTOR IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK

9.1 Renewable Energy – Solar Installation

• Solar PV installation training
• Practical installations
• Maintenance and troubleshooting
• Community electrification projects
• Small enterprise development

9.2 ICT / Digital Economy

• Digital literacy
• Data capturing
• Web development fundamentals
• Cybersecurity awareness
• Digital marketing

9.3 Mining Related Skills

• Occupational Health & Safety
• Small-scale mining compliance
• Environmental management
• Mining support services

9.4 Agriculture & Agro Processing

• Urban farming techniques
• Food preservation
• Packaging and compliance
• Agribusiness management

9.5 Hospitality & Tourism

• Customer service excellence
• Front office operations
• Catering and food service
• Tourism operations

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10. IMPLEMENTATION METHODOLOGY

The programme will follow a structured implementation cycle:

Phase 1: Planning and mobilisation
Phase 2: Recruitment and selection
Phase 3: Training delivery
Phase 4: Workplace placement
Phase 5: Exit and tracking

A dedicated Programme Manager, M&E Officer, and Employer Liaison Officer will oversee implementation.

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11. MONITORING & EVALUATION

SayPro will implement:

• Digital attendance tracking
• Learner progress dashboards
• Assessment monitoring
• Workplace visit reports
• Quarterly performance reporting
• Post-programme tracer studies

Impact indicators will include:

• Completion rates
• Employment placement rates
• Entrepreneurship start-ups
• Employer satisfaction levels

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12. RISK MANAGEMENT

Key risks and mitigation strategies:

Risk	Mitigation
Dropouts	Mentorship & psychosocial support
Employer withdrawal	Diversified employer database
Funding delays	Phased implementation
Non-compliance	Regular internal audits

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13. CONCLUSION

SayPro is committed to delivering a high-impact, inclusive, and industry-aligned Unemployed Youth Development Programme across Gauteng.

Through strategic partnerships, quality training delivery, structured workplace exposure, and strong monitoring systems, SayPro will contribute meaningfully to reducing youth unemployment and strengthening Gauteng’s economic resilience.

14. DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

This section outlines the operational plan for the implementation of the Unemployed Youth Development Programme (UYDP) 2026/27 across Gauteng.

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14.1 PHASE 1: PROGRAMME MOBILISATION (MONTH 1–2)

Key Activities:

• Stakeholder engagement meetings
• Employer partnership confirmation
• TVET and CET College collaboration agreements
• Community mobilisation campaigns
• Finalisation of training schedules
• Recruitment portal activation

Outputs:

• Signed MOUs with employers
• Approved training centres
• Recruitment campaign launched
• Selection committee established

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14.2 PHASE 2: RECRUITMENT & SELECTION (MONTH 2–3)

Recruitment Strategy:

• Social media campaigns
• Municipal announcements
• Community radio awareness
• Partnership with youth structures
• Disability advocacy outreach

Selection Criteria:

• Age 18–35
• South African citizen
• Unemployed
• Minimum education requirement aligned to qualification
• Motivation and career alignment

Screening Process:

1. Application submission
2. Document verification
3. Career profiling assessment
4. Interview (where required)
5. Final approval

Output Target:

1,000 unemployed youth enrolled.

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15. TRAINING DELIVERY FRAMEWORK

15.1 DELIVERY MODEL

SayPro will implement a blended learning model combining:

• Classroom-based learning
• Practical workshops
• Simulated workplace activities
• Digital learning modules
• On-site workplace exposure

15.2 TRAINING DURATION

Sector	Duration
Renewable Energy	3–6 months
ICT / Digital Economy	3–6 months
Mining Related Skills	3–6 months
Agriculture & Agro Processing	3–6 months
Hospitality & Tourism	3–6 months

Programmes may be structured as skills programmes, learnerships, or occupational qualifications depending on funding allocation.

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16. WORKPLACE-BASED LEARNING MODEL

Workplace exposure is critical to ensuring employability.

16.1 Employer Partnerships

SayPro will establish partnerships with:

• Renewable energy companies
• Mining contractors
• ICT firms
• Hospitality establishments
• Agricultural cooperatives

Each employer will sign a formal internship agreement outlining:

• Duration of placement
• Roles and responsibilities
• Workplace mentor allocation
• Performance reporting

16.2 Workplace Coaches Programme

Each workplace site will have a designated Workplace Coach responsible for:

• Mentoring learners
• Monitoring performance
• Providing structured feedback
• Ensuring occupational safety compliance

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17. ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMPONENT

Not all participants will enter formal employment. Therefore, SayPro will support enterprise development.

17.1 Enterprise Support Services

• Business plan development workshops
• Financial literacy training
• Cooperative registration assistance
• Supplier database inclusion
• Market access facilitation

17.2 Renewable & Digital Enterprise Focus

Priority support will be given to youth establishing:

• Solar installation businesses
• Digital marketing agencies
• Data administration services
• Agro-processing cooperatives
• Hospitality micro-enterprises

Target: 200 youth supported into entrepreneurship pathways.

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18. INCLUSION & EQUITY STRATEGY

SayPro is committed to inclusive development.

18.1 Women Participation

Minimum 50% female participation ensured through:

• Targeted recruitment campaigns
• Gender-sensitive training environments
• Flexible schedules

18.2 Persons with Disabilities

Minimum 10% inclusion target through:

• Accessible venues
• Assistive devices
• Sign language support (where required)
• Reasonable accommodation

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19. MONITORING, EVALUATION & REPORTING FRAMEWORK

19.1 Monitoring Tools

• Digital attendance registers
• Biometric tracking (where applicable)
• Learner progress dashboards
• Portfolio of Evidence tracking
• Employer feedback forms

19.2 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Indicator	Target
Enrolment	1,000
Completion Rate	90%
Workplace Placement	600
Employment Outcomes	400
Entrepreneurship Support	200

19.3 Reporting Schedule

• Monthly internal reports
• Quarterly funder reports
• Mid-term evaluation
• Final impact report

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20. QUALITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE

SayPro will ensure:

• Accredited qualifications
• Registered facilitators and assessors
• Internal moderation
• External moderation
• Audit readiness
• Compliance with occupational health and safety standards
• POPIA compliance

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21. GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

21.1 Programme Oversight

A Programme Steering Committee will oversee implementation, consisting of:

• Programme Director
• Finance Manager
• M&E Officer
• Employer Liaison Officer
• Training Coordinators

21.2 Financial Management

• Dedicated project bank account
• Transparent procurement process
• Segregation of duties
• Monthly financial reporting
• Annual audit compliance

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22. RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

Risk	Likelihood	Mitigation Strategy
Learner dropouts	Medium	Mentorship & support
Employer withdrawal	Medium	Backup employer agreements
Budget overruns	Low	Financial monitoring
Compliance delays	Low	Early documentation submission

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23. SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

To ensure long-term impact:

• Multi-year employer partnerships
• Alumni mentorship networks
• Youth cooperatives
• Renewable energy service hubs
• Digital incubation platforms

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24. EXPECTED IMPACT

The SayPro UYDP 2026/27 will contribute to:

• Reduced youth unemployment
• Increased certified artisans and technicians
• Expansion of renewable energy services
• Strengthened digital economy participation
• Improved gender equity in technical fields
• Economic growth in Gauteng Province

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25. CONCLUSION

SayPro respectfully submits this expanded implementation proposal for the Unemployed Youth Development Programme (UYDP) 2026/27 in Gauteng.

We are prepared to deliver a compliant, high-impact, inclusive, and results-driven programme that will transform the lives of 1,000 unemployed youth and contribute meaningfully to economic development.

26. DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN – SAYPRO UYDP 2026/27

The proposed budget provides a comprehensive financial plan for the Unemployed Youth Development Programme (UYDP) 2026/27 in Gauteng. All figures are in ZAR (South African Rand).

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26.1 Summary of Budget Categories

Category	Description	Unit/Quantity	Unit Cost (ZAR)	Total Cost (ZAR)
1. Training Delivery	Facilitator fees for all sectors	5 facilitators x 6 months	25,000	750,000
2. Learning Materials	Manuals, guides, stationery	1,000 learners	1,500	1,500,000
3. Learner Stipends	Monthly stipends for 1,000 learners	1,000 learners x 6 months	1,500	9,000,000
4. Workplace Placement	Transport, allowances, insurance	600 learners	2,000	1,200,000
5. Entrepreneurship Support	Business training, incubation	200 learners	5,000	1,000,000
6. Monitoring & Evaluation	Digital systems, site visits, reporting	Full programme	–	800,000
7. Administration	Office costs, coordination, logistics	Full programme	–	600,000
8. Inclusion Support	Assistive devices, disability accommodations	100 learners	5,000	500,000

Total Proposed Budget: ZAR 14,350,000

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26.2 Notes on Budget

1. Training Delivery: Includes facilitator fees, sector-specific instructors, and accredited assessors.
2. Learning Materials: Covers manuals, learner workbooks, PPE where applicable (e.g., mining, solar), and digital access for ICT modules.
3. Learner Stipends: Ensures learners can fully participate without financial barriers.
4. Workplace Placement: Covers travel, meals, and mandatory workplace insurance for learners.
5. Entrepreneurship Support: Covers mentorship, business plan development, cooperative formation, and access to market platforms.
6. Monitoring & Evaluation: Includes digital tracking systems, site visit costs, and reporting compliance.
7. Administration: Covers project management, communication, stationery, utilities, and office overheads.
8. Inclusion Support: Dedicated resources for learners with disabilities to ensure full accessibility.

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26.3 Payment & Disbursement Schedule

Phase	Activity	% of Total Budget	Amount (ZAR)
Phase 1	Programme Mobilisation & Recruitment	10%	1,435,000
Phase 2	Training Delivery	35%	5,022,500
Phase 3	Workplace Placement	15%	2,152,500
Phase 4	Entrepreneurship & Cooperative Support	10%	1,435,000
Phase 5	Monitoring & Evaluation	10%	1,435,000
Phase 6	Administration & Inclusion Support	20%	2,870,000

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26.4 Justification of Costs

• Costs are benchmarked against similar national youth development programmes.
• Learner stipends and workplace allowances are designed to reduce barriers to participation.
• Training delivery ensures sectoral accreditation and compliance with relevant SETAs.
• M&E and administration costs maintain transparency, accountability, and quality.
• Inclusion costs ensure equitable participation of women and learners with disabilities.

27. LOGICAL FRAMEWORK (LOGFRAME) MATRIX – SAYPRO UYDP 2026/27

The Logical Framework Matrix provides a clear and structured view of the objectives, activities, outputs, outcomes, and indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the SayPro Unemployed Youth Development Programme (UYDP) 2026/27 in Gauteng.

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Hierarchy of Objectives	Performance Indicators	Means of Verification	Assumptions / Risks
Goal: Reduce youth unemployment and promote economic participation in Gauteng Province.	– % reduction in unemployed youth within programme districts – % of youth entering employment or self-employment after programme	– Quarterly and annual reports – Department of Labour statistics – Follow-up surveys of learners	– Continued economic activity in priority sectors – Support from employers and local authorities
Purpose: Equip unemployed youth with relevant skills, workplace exposure, and entrepreneurship support to enhance employability and self-sufficiency.	– % of learners completing accredited skills programmes (Target: 90%) – % of learners placed in work experience or employment (Target: 60%) – % of learners supported in entrepreneurship pathways (Target: 200 youth)	– Attendance registers – Certificates of completion – Employer reports – Entrepreneurship records	– Learners attend and actively participate – Employers provide placement opportunities
Outputs: 1. Trained youth in priority sectors. 2. Workplace-based learning completed. 3. Entrepreneurship support delivered. 4. Inclusive participation achieved.	– 1,000 youth trained – 600 youth complete workplace placements – 200 youth supported in entrepreneurship – Minimum 50% women and 10% persons with disabilities	– Training attendance registers – Workplace mentor reports – Entrepreneurship workshop reports – Inclusion reports	– Training centres fully operational – Employers adhere to placement agreements – Sufficient learners recruited
Activities: – Recruit & select learners – Deliver accredited skills programmes – Facilitate workplace-based learning and mentorship – Conduct entrepreneurship workshops and incubation support – Monitor, evaluate, and report on programme progress	– Number of recruitment campaigns conducted (Target: 5) – Number of training sessions delivered (Target: 6 months per sector) – Number of workplace mentorship engagements (Target: 12 per learner) – Number of entrepreneurship workshops (Target: 6)	– Recruitment reports – Training schedules and attendance – Workplace mentorship logs – Workshop attendance sheets	– Community cooperation for recruitment – Employers committed to mentorship – Trainers available and qualified
Inputs / Resources: – Qualified facilitators and trainers – Training centres & classrooms – Learning materials & PPE – Digital M&E tools – Funding for stipends, allowances, and operational costs	– % of inputs procured on time – Budget utilization reports – Number of functional M&E systems implemented	– Procurement reports – Financial reports – M&E system reports	– Timely fund disbursement – Availability of training resources – Operational IT and logistics support