Youth employment

Free youth job and learnership programmes (SAYouth.mobi)

If you are 18 to 34 and not working, join SAYouth.mobi, the free and zero-rated platform of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, for local jobs, learnerships and paid work experience.

Strong evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Young people without work, especially with only a phone and little data.

In South Africa: Built for South African youth, works on a basic phone and does not use data.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 30 hours a week · age 18+

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

Pay depends on the job or programme.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R0
Every month
None: the site is zero-rated on the major networks, so it does not use your data.
Payment fees
None. Real programmes never ask you to pay.
Margin
Not applicable.

How it is paid: A wage or stipend from the employer or programme. Our viability score for it: 58 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Register on sayouth.mobi
    • Complete your profile and the free work-readiness steps
    • Success signal: invited to an interview or assessment

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Register on sayouth.mobi with your ID and postal code
    • Fill in every part of your profile
    • Ask a youth centre or library for help with a CV

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Reply to every #SAYouth SMS on the same day
    • Prepare for interviews: transport money, ID copy, matric certificate
    • Keep one other way of earning going

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Ask about learnerships in fields you like
    • Get references from anyone you have worked for
    • Update your profile with new skills

Depends on openings near you and can take months. Keep applying for other work at the same time. First income usually takes 14 to 180 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Free youth job and learnership programmes (SAYouth.mobi): your step-by-step start

20 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Employers and programmes that hire young first-time workers: retail, call centres, schools, learnerships, YES placements.

Getting a first job or paid experience without paying anyone or spending data.

Is there demand?

SAYouth.mobi is part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and is supported by Harambee, the Department of Employment and Labour, the NYDA and YES (sayouth.mobi).

SAYouth.mobiHarambee work-seeker supportYouth Employment Service (YES) placementsLocal youth centres and libraries

Getting customers

Sign up on sayouth.mobi with your ID and postal code, keep your phone on and reply to SMSs from #SAYouth. Call 0800 72 72 72 for free help.

Applying for jobs or platform rolesWork handed out by an app or platform

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Fake job offers that ask for a fee, a "training" payment or your bank PIN
  • Long waits: keep other income options going

Competition: High: many young people apply. Fast replies and showing up prepared make a difference.

Room to grow: A first job or learnership is a step towards better-paid work. It does not grow like a business.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • Never pay to get a job or a learnership.
  • You need an SA or refugee ID or a valid work permit to register.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start free youth job and learnership programmes in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R0 to R0. Recurring costs: None: the site is zero-rated on the major networks, so it does not use your data.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 90 days, and between 14 and 180 days. Depends on openings near you and can take months. Keep applying for other work at the same time.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Never pay to get a job or a learnership. You need an SA or refugee ID or a valid work permit to register.

Sources (3)

Free tools for this

Check if your setup is ready for remote workCheck a job offer for scam red flags

Not sure this is the one?

The free test ranks every option against your skills, time and budget.

Take the free test

Read next

Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy