Nedbank has formally welcomed its 2026 Youth Employment Service (YES) cohort at the bank’s Sandton headquarters, reaffirming its commitment to tackling youth unemployment and creating meaningful opportunities for young South Africans through workplace experience, skills development and mentorship.
Under the theme “Team Green believes in YOUth”, the event marked the start of a transformative journey for 2,150 young people participating in the programme.
As part of their 12-month work experience, they will be placed in internal roles across Nedbank and through implementation partners, broadening the programme’s reach and impact across South Africa.
Investing in South Africa’s Future
Since joining the YES initiative in 2019, Nedbank has helped create more than 19,000 one-year work opportunities for young South Africans
Addressing the YES Youth, Jason Quinn, Group Chief Executive of Nedbank, provided advice to attentive youth on the importance of financial planning, saying:
“At Nedbank, we don’t just talk about youth empowerment—we invest in it. Today’s YES Youth cohort represents new energy, fresh thinking and the future of our organisation and our country.”
Daniel Mminele, Chairperson of the Nedbank Group Board, highlighted the economic importance of youth employment:
“Addressing youth unemployment is not only a social responsibility; it is a business imperative. South Africa’s future economic growth depends on creating pathways for young people to participate meaningfully in the economy.”
Ravi Naidoo, YES CEO, shared words of encouragement and highlighted the importance of embracing growth opportunities, building confidence, and making the most of the journey ahead.
He added that the YES programme exists to create real work experiences that give young people confidence, capability and opportunity. “Partnerships such as the one between YES and Nedbank demonstrate what is possible when business leads with purpose.”
Alumni Success Stories Inspire the Next Generation
A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring successful YES alumni, including Microsoft Power Platform Specialist, Thabo Lekgwathi, Benefits Specialist Thato Khuele, Retail Banker in the contact centre Molemo Matome, and Product Analyst, Zinhle Zungu.
Sharing their personal journeys, the alumni reflected on how the programme helped them build confidence, overcome challenges, strengthen professional skills and unlock career opportunities.
Their stories reinforced a central message of the day: the YES Programme is more than a placement; it is a platform for transformation that enables young people to turn opportunity into long-term career growth.
South Africa’s youth unemployment challenge requires collective action from government, business and civil society. As the country’s leading youth employment initiative, YES demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships in expanding access to economic opportunity and preparing young people for the future of work.
As the new cohort begin their journey, they join thousands of young South Africans who have benefited from the programme and taken meaningful steps towards building successful futures.
They received a rousing motivational performance from Amapiano singer and songwriter, Young Stunna, real name Sandile Fortune Msimango, and an inspiring address from Zoya Mabuto Mokodito, the founder of ZoyaSpeaks, involved in leadership development, presentation skills, and helping people—especially women—find and use their voices effectively.
YES! It was a rousing welcome for the new youth cohort at Nedbank.