The first YES Implementation Partner Awards evening aimed to gather not only in celebration, but to recognise the profound impact and invaluable contributions made by our esteemed Implementation Partners. In a country where youth unemployment remains a national crisis, the work YES and our IP network executes together serves as a testament to our collective commitment and resolve to tackle one of South Africa’s most pressing issues head-on. The evening intended to renew our commitment to the cause we hold dear and strive to be guided by the belief that every young person deserves a chance to success.

The awards planned for tonight are not merely tokens of appreciation; they represent a symbol of dedication, innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to our cause. Through partnerships forced with purpose and passion, we have been able to create pathways to prosperity for over 150,000 young individuals, unlocking their potential and paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.

Awards


1)    Sector Achievement Award – Digital Sector


This award recognises exceptional contributions to job placement, demonstrating the ability to connect skilled professionals with rewarding career opportunities.

The recipient of this award is recognised for their innovative approach and dedication, which has led to the highest rate of successful permanent job placement, significantly impacting the growth and development of the digital sector.


Nominations: ZAIO, RLabs and Click Foundation
Awarded: Click Foundation

2)    Sector Achievement Award – Tourism Sector 

The Sector Achievement Award for the Tourism Sector celebrates our outstanding Implementation Partners’ exceptional contributions to the Youth4Tourism initiative, through their placements, strategic collaboration, and steadfast commitment to sustainability. 

The recipient of this award is recognised for their dedication to fostering job placement, empowering local communities, and advancing sustainable tourism in South Africa’s beautiful untouched terrains. 

Nominations: Conservation South Africa, Africa Foundation and TILT. 
Awarded: Africa Foundation

3)    Sector Achievement Award – Global Business Services Sector 


The Sector Achievement Award for the Global Business Services Sector acknowledges our Implementation Partners’ ability to drive efficiency and productivity into sustainable job creation in an industry with a growing demand for outsourcing and shared services.

Receiving the Global Business Services Sector Achievement award for their outstanding contribution to youth empowerment and fostering opportunities with diverse partners and creating the next generation of talented youth in the sector.

Nominations: Afrika Tikkun, Merchants, and Ava Management.
Awarded: Ava Management.


4)    Sector Achievement Award – Green Economy 

This award recognises Implementation Partners who have demonstrated innovative approaches and commitment to both economic growth and environmental stewardship, paving the way for a more environmentally sustainable future

Receiving the Green Economy Sector Achievement Award for their innovation and commitment to advancing sustainable opportunities for youth within the green economy sector.  Their strategic vision is to continue to localise the value chain and to become an enabler to youth placement in the green sub-sectors.

Nominations: Matongoni, Conservation South Africa and Africa Foundation.
Awarded: Matongoni

5)    Rising Star Award

This award is recognises a new Implementation Partner who has shown great potential to deliver against YES’s mandate on job creation in South Africa, whilst ensuring youth acquire a career pathway to success.

Receiving the Rising Star Award for their deliberate focus on ensuring that youth acquire specialised skills that allows them to forge career pathways and entrepreneurial opportunities in South Africa.

Nominations: GP Retail Operations, Green Riders and RPAS Training Academy.
Awarded: RPAS Training Academy.

6)    Outstanding Performance Award

The Outstanding Performance Award recognises the exceptional achievement and dedication in advancing the goals and mission of YES. This award celebrates the Implementation Partner that has achieved the highest overall average on their IP Scorecard, demonstrating outstanding performance across various aspects of their YES programme. This partner is the epitome of excellence and demonstrates mastery in all that they do.

Nominations: ORTSA Cape, Africa Foundation and Click Learning.
Awarded: Click Learning.

7)    Strategic Excellence Award 

The Strategic Excellence Award recognises the Implementation Partner who has displayed exceptional agility and the ability to cultivate meaningful collaborations that contribute significantly to the success of the YES programme and youth outcomes, demonstrating ongoing commitment to synergy and mutual achievement of goals, for the benefit of youth and the broader economy.
 
Nominations: Ava Management, Youth@Work and Afrika Tikkun Services. 
Awarded: Ava Management.

YES Implementation Partner of the Year Award

This award honours a YES Implementation Partner that has shown remarkable commitment to excellence, continuous improvement and to implementing YES programmes that facilitate youth empowerment and employment opportunities. This IP has walked the path with YES, hand in hand, through challenges and wins.

This partnership is a purposeful reminder of the transformative power of collaboration in driving synergy and excellence.

Nominations: Click Learning, Youth@Work and Ava Management.
Awarded: for their effectiveness in executing YES programmes at scale, fostering partnerships, and creating impactful solutions to further the impact of the YES initiative, the award goes to… Youth@Work.