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Understanding Stipends: A Guide by The Skills Development Corporation
In South Africa where youth unemployment is fast becoming one of the highest in the world, with 45,5% unemployment rate among young people who are aged 15-34 years. South Africa’s learnership programs have become a lifeline for thousands of young people looking to break into the employment sector. Designed as a bridge between education and employment, learnerships are now seen not just as training opportunities, but as powerful tools for long-term careers in the development and economic inclusion space.
According to the National Skills Fund Strategic Plan 2025 -2030, only 7% of businesses are owned by people living with disabilities. The main aim of the National Skills Strategic Plan is to increase the high quality, educational training and skills development opportunities, to not only reduce inequalities but also to allow better participation in the South African Economy.
When you look around your office, do you see a team that reflects the rich mix of people in South Africa? Or does the term Employment Equity simply make you think of endless forms and government targets?
Let’s be honest, in today’s South African business landscape, a B-BBEE Compliance Certificate is practically a golden ticket. It’s the stamp of approval that opens doors and is often a non-negotiable requirement for potential partners and clients. But getting that certificate means navigating the B-BBEE verification process, which, if not approached correctly, can feel overwhelming.
This Youth Month, as South Africa reflects on its journey, a critical question lingers: are we truly equipping our young people for the future? At the Skills Development Corporation (SDC), we’re not just asking; we’re actively building the bridge between education and employment, one empowered learner at a time.
The recent health-workplace studies show that mental wellness correlates with employee satisfaction, employee productivity and staff retention. When employees feel supported as well as valued, they are more likely to contribute positively to their work tasks and influence the team as a whole to perform better, propelling the work environment to thrive. The Skills Development Corporation assist abled and disabled learners, and therefore recognizes that since depression and anxiety is regarded as a disability, it is our responsibility to create a positively thriving environment.
At Skills Development Corporation (SDC), we believe that true skills development goes beyond the classroom or the workplace task list. It’s about building confidence, fostering connection, and creating a supportive environment where every learner, especially those with disabilities, can thrive. That’s where our peer mentoring programme plays a vital role.