Skip links

Star at Work

55 % of South African youth, with a matric certificate, between the ages of 15 – 24 are unemployed (Statistics SA 2019). Stars at Work is a Thanda Foundation Trust led collaboration between Yes 4 Youth and Star for Life – Aid Free That’s Me.

Donate Now

Stars at Work Project aims at assisting 7500 South African Star for Life matriculants, across 66 rural South African schools, find employment after they matriculate. Through the collaboration each student has access to the Knack App as well as inclusion on the YES 4 Youth recruitment database. Thanda Foundation Trust and Star for Life host workshops at each of the schools to assist the students in playing the Knack App and signing up on the YES 4 Youth recruitment database. Thanda Foundation Trust also publishes a booklet providing the students useful tips on how to find employment, how to complete a C.V, what to do whilst looking for employment and links to useful websites to assist the students on their journey after they matriculate.

What is YES for youth?
A business-led collaboration with government and labour to create one million work opportunities for youthAn opportunity for participating corporate companies to meaningfully provide youth employment and improve their B-BBEE scorecard by up to 2 levels in the company’s next verification period.

What is the YES placement initiative?
Youth are placed with participating companies for a 12-month quality workplace experience which will be monitored by YES to ensure a consistent national standard. YES recommends that youth be paid a monthly salary of R3,500.

What is the criteria to join the YES placement initiative?

  • South African between 18-35 years of age
  • Unemployed; and
  • Meet the definition of “Black People” as defined in the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003 as amended by Act 46 of 2013

Why a YES 4 Youth collaboration?

  • The initiative has been endorsed by President Ramaphosa.
  • YES 4 Youth provides access to the Knack App for all applicants.
  • There has already been significant support of YES 4 Youth by large corporate entities.
  • The youth are guaranteed a monitored, quality work experience.
  • Work readiness modules are provided for all placed youth.
  • Each placed youth is given a smartphone to access the readiness modules.
  • Resources to assist youth in finding employment such as interview and C.V. tips.
  • Incentivises corporates to employ youth through B-BBEE points.

What is the KnackApp?

A smart gaming app that helps youth discover their talents and skills, in order to find the best job opportunities and be discovered by employers aiding them in building a promising future.

A free top strengths profile is emailed to the youth.

Removes the credential-bias as barrier to opportunity and gives youth the chance for inclusion, experience, and upward mobility.

Leverages the ubiquity of mobile phones to reach the massively untapped youth talent pool and connect them with job opportunities.