Deputy President Paul Mashatile Launches South African National Service Institute (SANSI) to Empower Youth

Pretoria, May 21, 2024 — Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered a keynote address today at the launch of the South African National Service Institute (SANSI) at the CSIR International Conference Centre in Pretoria. The initiative, aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment for young South Africans, marks a significant step toward addressing the country’s youth unemployment crisis.

SANSI is designed to develop, capacitate, and empower young unemployed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and university graduates. The institute seeks to create a seamless skills-to-industry pipeline that fosters innovative entrepreneurship and sustainable long-term employment.

“As Government, we need more business and Government initiatives that provide young men and women with opportunities to learn and give them a national service identity that embodies discipline, patriotism, and the highest level of professionalism,” said Deputy President Mashatile. “This initiative provides the basis and motivation for what will be a game-changing intervention by the South African Government in advancing the well-being of the country’s marginalised population. Let us therefore avoid being a stumbling block and instead serve as a stepping stone to a more promising future that offers unbounded opportunities to all individuals, especially our youth.”

The Deputy President’s address highlighted the critical need for collaborative efforts between government and business to create platforms for youth development. The establishment of SANSI aims to not only equip young people with necessary skills but also to instill a sense of national pride and duty.

Deputy President Mashatile was joined by Ministers Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Thandi Modise, representing the Departments of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) and Defence, respectively. Their support underscores the government’s commitment to integrating diverse sectors in the fight against unemployment and underemployment among South Africa’s youth.

The launch of SANSI is seen as a strategic move to harness the potential of the country’s young population, driving economic growth and social stability. The initiative promises to transform the landscape of youth employment, offering new avenues for professional and personal development.

As South Africa continues to grapple with high youth unemployment rates, SANSI stands out as a beacon of hope, aimed at creating a robust and resilient workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the modern economy.