The Gauteng Department of Economic Development teams up with the Shoprite Group to connect youth to job opportunities, tackling the critical issues of unemployment and economic inclusivity in South Africa
As part of its ongoing commitment to foster inclusive economic growth and enhance job creation initiatives, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) has announced a strategic collaboration with the Shoprite Group of Companies. This partnership is anchored in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aims to launch the Last Mile Delivery Programme, which is set to provide meaningful economic opportunities to residents across Gauteng, with a special focus on young South Africans.
The Last Mile Delivery Programme will see Shoprite, through its subsidiary Pingo Delivery, streamline the onboarding of beneficiaries who will be enrolled into a delivery ecosystem designed to offer comprehensive training. This initiative promises to empower participants with the skills and access required to thrive in the rapidly expanding e-commerce and logistics sectors.
South Africa’s economic landscape, particularly in the context of youth employment, has been significantly challenged. In light of this, the GDED and Shoprite’s collaboration represents a pivotal step toward addressing these barriers. With this programme, young South Africans will have the chance to secure stable income opportunities, thereby contributing to their communities and the local economy.
Notably, the agreement comes during a period of heightened sensitivity surrounding employment and immigration issues in South Africa. The government emphasised the necessity for all participants in the Last Mile Delivery Programme to be South African citizens. This crucial stipulation follows a troubling revelation from 2024, when it was discovered that only 23% of the Pingo Delivery drivers were South African.
As the programme rolls out, it is anticipated that it will draw significant interest among young job seekers throughout Gauteng, marking a proactive approach to alleviating unemployment and equipping a new generation with the skills necessary for success in a digital economy.