The provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is inviting young people across the province to apply for opportunities within the YearBeyond Programme.
YearBeyond is a youth in service partnership between government, the National Youth Development Agency, donors, and NGOs.
It is a national programme that provides unemployed youth aged 18 to 25 years with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or work.
Entries are open until February, and the #SayYeBo campaign invites youths to apply for a year of structured service, gaining valuable skills and experience while contributing to their communities.
Through YearBeyond, young people, known as YeBoneers, are placed in education and community-based programmes such as learner support in schools, early childhood development, libraries and reading initiatives, youth well-being and social-emotional learning programmes, play-based activities, and broader social cohesion work.
“Through the YearBeyond programme, we are creating meaningful pathways for young people who may be uncertain about their next steps. The programme provides an opportunity to gain a year’s practical experience, improve their CV and gain important skills which will help them to access future employment opportunities as employees or employers,” explained Ricardo Mackenzie, provincial minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
“We want to offer our youth this hand-up to help them take the next steps towards becoming independent, thriving adults.”
He added that the programmes give youths options for the future.
“Without this, many young people might land up in gangs or on the street. I’m proud of this programme, which provides a pathway to independence and employment.”
Young people interested in applying are encouraged to create or update their profile on www.sayouth.mobi, ensuring their address details are correct and up-to-date.
To apply, log in to the www.sayouth.mobi platform and search for “YearBeyond”. Open the opportunity card for your municipality and apply. Then select all 2026 YearBeyond programmes you are interested in.
• For more information on qualification criteria, go to https://www.yearbeyond.org/apply-1 Applications for the YearBeyond Programme close on Friday 13 February.
