{"id":295825,"date":"2026-01-12T14:20:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T12:20:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/weslander\/?p=295825"},"modified":"2026-01-12T14:28:58","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T12:28:58","slug":"apply-to-join-the-yearbeyond-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/weslander\/apply-to-join-the-yearbeyond-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"Apply to join the YearBeyond Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is inviting young people across the province to apply for opportunities within the YearBeyond Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

YearBeyond is a youth in service partnership between Government, the National Youth Development Agency, donors, and NGOs. Initiated in the Western Cape, it is a national programme that provides unemployed youth (18-25 years old) with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Running from Wednesday 7 January to Friday 13 February, the #SayYeBo campaign invites young people to apply for a year of structured service – gaining valuable skills and experience while contributing positively to their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through YearBeyond, young people, known as YeBoneers, are placed in education and community-based programmes that respond to real needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These include learner support in schools, early childhood development, libraries and reading initiatives, youth wellbeing and social-emotional learning programmes, play-based activities, and broader social cohesion work. Speaking about the campaign, Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport  Ricardo Mackenzie, said it aims to address youth unemployment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The YearBeyond programme aims to uplift and encourage the youth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThrough 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\u2019s practical experience, improve their CV and gain important skills which will help them to access future employment opportunities as employees or employers. We want to offer our youth this hand up to help them take the next steps towards becoming independent, thriving adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Programmes like this give young people options. Without this, many young people might land up in gangs or on the street. I\u2019m proud of this programme in that it provides a pathway to independence and employment,\u201d said Mackenzie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He highlighted that YearBeyond reflects WCG\u2019s commitment to hope, optimism and practical pathways for youth, offering young people the chance to gain experience, build confidence and develop skills that support their transition into work or further study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, added, \u201cIt is part of our responsibility to give young people the best possible chance to succeed in life – empowering them to uplift their families and make meaningful contributions to their communities. YearBeyond is a vital investment in the potential of our youth, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to get jobs and to thrive and play an active role in our economy. I urge young people to take full advantage of this incredible programme.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young people who are interested in applying are encouraged to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n