Last updated: 16 October 2026
The Youth Employment Service, better known as YES, helps unemployed young South Africans get their first real job. Each placement is a paid, 12-month work experience at a business. This guide explains who qualifies, how to register for free, and how to stay safe from scams.
Wiz Admissions is an independent website. We are not linked to YES, SAYouth or any employer.
YES Programme at a glance
- What it is: A private-sector-led, non-profit youth jobs programme
- Who it is for: Unemployed young people aged 18 to 34
- Job length: 12 months of paid work experience
- Where to register: sayouth.mobi (zero-rated, no data needed)
- Cost to join: Free. YES never asks youth for money
- Help line: 0800 727272 (SAYouth, toll-free, weekdays 9am to 4:30pm)
What Is the YES Programme?
YES stands for Youth Employment Service. It is led by business, not government. YES says it receives no government funding.
Companies join YES and create jobs for young people. In return, they can earn credit on their B-BBEE scorecard. This gives businesses a strong reason to take part.
For you, the deal is simple. You get a real job for 12 months. You earn a salary, build skills and get a reference for your CV.
How big is YES?
YES reports that it has created more than 196,000 youth jobs since it started. Its website shows several impact figures, and they change as new jobs are added. Millions of young people have engaged with the programme as applicants.
What kind of jobs are there?
Jobs vary by company, sector and region. The role depends on what each business needs. Some youth work at the company itself. Others are placed with a partner “host” organisation.
Follow the Wiz Admissions WhatsApp Channel for new vacancies, learnerships, bursaries and application deadlines. It’s free, and we will never ask you for money. Follow the channel →
Who Qualifies for YES Jobs?
The YES youth FAQ says it targets all unemployed youth aged 18 to 34. Your education level does not stop you from registering.
However, many YES jobs are linked to B-BBEE. For those roles, the rules are stricter.
| Requirement | General YES opportunities | B-BBEE-linked YES jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 34 | 18 to 34 |
| Employment status | Unemployed | Unemployed when you register |
| Citizenship | Check each job | South African citizen |
| Race | Open to all | Black, as defined in the B-BBEE codes |
| Education | Any level | Depends on the job |
YES is meant for people who are currently unemployed. It is not for people who want to switch from one job to another.
Can I do YES twice?
The official B-BBEE FAQ for YES says no. The aim is to give as many young people as possible one full 12-month experience.
Do I need matric?
Not always. YES says it targets youth regardless of education. Some employers will still ask for matric or a specific skill. Read each job advert carefully.
How Much Do YES Jobs Pay?
YES does not set one salary for everyone. Each employer sets its own pay.
Employers must follow the National Minimum Wage and labour laws. From 1 March 2026, the national minimum wage is R30.23 per hour. Many YES jobs pay more than this, depending on the role.
Your job will be on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The contract must follow the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
How to Register for YES Jobs: Step by Step
Youth do not apply on the yes4youth.co.za business site. You register on the SAYouth platform, which YES uses to find candidates.
- Open sayouth.mobi on your phone. The site is zero-rated, so you need no data.
- If you are new, tap “Join the Network”.
- Fill in your details. YES says this takes about four minutes.
- Add your education, skills and where you live.
- Save your profile. Matching opportunities will start to show.
- Apply for jobs that fit you.
- Check back every day. Employers can close a post early once they have enough applicants.
Already on Harambee or Tshepo?
If you registered on harambee.mobi or tshepo.mobi before, you are already on SAYouth. Log in with those details instead of creating a new profile.
Can I register without an ID number?
The YES FAQ says you can register on SAYouth without an ID number. Employers will still need your ID before they hire you, so get it ready.
Do I have to move to a city?
No. YES says you can register from anywhere in South Africa. You do not need to move to a city to join.
Applying Directly to Companies
Some companies advertise YES jobs on their own careers pages. These adverts often say “YES Programme” or “YES Youth” in the title.
Some of these online forms ask you to upload a copy of your ID and your CV. Keep both ready as small files on your phone.
Only apply through a company’s real careers page. If you are unsure, call the company’s official number from its website.
Documents to Have Ready
- Your South African ID (green book or smart card)
- A short, up-to-date CV
- Your matric certificate or latest school report, if you have it
- Any other certificates, such as short courses
- A working cellphone number and email address
- Bank account details, once you get an offer
Need help with your CV? Use our free CV template for South Africa.
What Happens After the 12 Months?
Your YES contract ends after 12 months. Some employers keep their youth on as permanent staff. Others help them move to jobs elsewhere.
Even if you are not kept on, you leave with real work experience. You also have a reference and a stronger CV.
Start planning around month 9. Ask your manager about openings. Update your CV with what you achieved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying an agent to “get you into YES”. Registration is free. Nobody can sell you a place.
- Registering once and never checking again. New jobs appear and close fast.
- Creating a second profile. Use your old Harambee or Tshepo login if you have one.
- Applying while you are employed. YES is for unemployed youth only.
- Leaving your profile half done. A full profile helps you match to more jobs.
- Ignoring calls and SMSes. Employers may contact you at short notice.
Scam Warning: YES Never Asks for Money
The YES FAQ is clear. Staff and partners will never ask you for money.
Watch out for these red flags:
- Someone asks for a “registration fee”, “uniform fee” or “training fee”
- A WhatsApp message promises a guaranteed YES job
- A Facebook page asks you to send your ID and banking PIN
- An “agent” says they work for YES and can skip the queue
- A job offer comes without any interview at all
If you are unsure, call the SAYouth help line on 0800 727272. You can also email support@sayouth.org.za.
Other Youth Job Options
YES is one route into work. You can apply for others at the same time.
- Learnerships 2026 give paid training plus a qualification.
- The Basic Education Employment Initiative places young people in schools.
- EPWP jobs offer short-term public work.
- Call centre jobs are a common entry-level path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the YES programme free?
Yes. Registering on sayouth.mobi is free and zero-rated. YES says its staff and partners will never ask youth for money.
What is the age limit for YES?
YES targets unemployed youth aged 18 to 34. Some B-BBEE rules allow slightly different ages, so check each advert.
How long is a YES job?
A YES job is a 12-month fixed-term work experience. It is a real job with a contract and a salary.
Is YES a learnership?
No. A learnership leads to a formal qualification. YES is paid work experience. Some employers may add training, but that depends on the company.
How do I contact YES as a young job seeker?
For registration help, call SAYouth on 0800 727272 on weekdays. You can also email support@sayouth.org.za. Businesses can use the contact form on yes4youth.co.za.
Related Guides
- Learnerships 2026
- Teacher Assistant Jobs 2026
- CV Template for South Africa
- General Worker Jobs
- EPWP Jobs
- Free Microsoft AI Courses
Conclusion
YES gives unemployed youth aged 18 to 34 a paid, 12-month start in the working world. Registration is free on sayouth.mobi and takes only a few minutes. Keep your profile complete, check for new jobs daily, and never pay anyone for a place.
Disclaimer: Wiz Admissions is an independent information website. We are not affiliated with the Youth Employment Service (YES), SAYouth, Harambee or any government department. Always confirm details on the official websites before you apply.
