Intervention 2026
PYEI — Complete Application Guide
Unemployment in South Africa, especially among young people, has been a major issue for a long time. To address this issue, the government has launched a massive initiative called PYEI (Presidential Youth Employment Intervention). If you are a young person in South Africa and are looking for work or training opportunities, then this is for you.
What is PYEI?
PYEI stands for Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. It is a national-level programme launched in 2020 under the leadership of president Cyril Ramaphosa. Its main objective is to move young people “from learning to earning”. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy collapsed and the youth unemployment crisis became even more severe. At that time, the government realized that running different programmes separately was not very effective. So, various government departments, private organizations and civil society were brought together to create an integrated framework called PYEI. Basically, it is not a separate job-providing organization. Rather, it is a coordination framework that brings together various youth-focused programmes, speeds them up, and makes them more effective.
Main aims of PYEI
To build a bridge between learning and earning.
To bring various government and private sector opportunities onto a single platform.
To align young people’s skills with market demands through skill development.
To strengthen partnerships between civil society, the private sector, and the government.
To provide relevant skills to enhance employability.
To make it easier for young people to access government, private, and development programmes.
Who Can Register for PYEI?
Age:-
Young people aged 15 to 34 are generally eligible to apply. For some specific programmes, the age limit may be 18 to 35.
Citizenship:-
South African citizens, permanent residents, or holders of valid refugee status are eligible. Holders of valid work permits may also apply in some cases.
Employment Status:-
The programme mainly targets those who are currently unemployed and not in education, employment, or training.
Educational Qualification:-
In many cases a Matric certificate is not required. However, for certain positions such as Education Assistant, passing Matric may be required.
Note that each project may have its own eligibility requirements, so please read the detailed terms and conditions of the relevant project before applying.
Four Main Components of PYEI
National Pathway Management Network (NPMN)
What is NPMN?
NPMN is a type of “network of networks”. Its goal is to make it easier for young people to enter and stay in the job market.
How does it work?
It connects various government departments, private organizations, and training providers on a central platform, so that young people can access multiple opportunities with just a single registration.
Key Benefit:
Instead of searching in different places, young people can find jobs, learning opportunities, and enterprise support all in one place.
As at Q4 2024/25, there were 4.78 million registered young people.
Since inception 1.67 million earning opportunities have been created.
Over 38,000 opportunities are listed on SAYouth each quarter.
Runs through 127 labour centres and NYDA branches throughout the country.
Demand-led Training
This pillar aims to provide skills training that meets current labour market needs. The “pay-for-performance” model is used here. This means that training providers receive full payment only if they successfully place their trainees in jobs. As a result, the quality of training is maintained, and the focus is placed on creating real employment rather than simply issuing certificates. This training is focused on sectors such as digital services, care services, tourism, agriculture, and the green economy.
Enrolment into training programs reached 3,347 youths up until now.
Out of this number, 1,603 were absorbed in jobs, out of which 1,247 youths managed to maintain their jobs for more than 3 months.
Revitalised National Youth Service (NYS)
For those who are not yet able to enter the job market or pursue higher education, NYS provides a structured pathway. Implemented by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), this programme engages young people in community service while helping them develop valuable skills. This helps build active citizenship and prepares young people for future employment. New phases of the programme are launched regularly creating thousands of paid service opportunities.
The recruitment for Phase 3 began with 13,568 youths joining the program.
Up till now, a total of 82,378 youth have been placed in service since its beginning.
Local Ecosystem Enablement
The main goal of this is to revitalize the local economy. Through the Local Ecosystem Enablement Fund, economic activities are stimulated in small towns and rural areas, so that young people there can also start new ventures or find local job opportunities. The benefit is that it’s not limited to big cities. Young people in remote areas also benefit.
More than 14,600 young entrepreneurs are supported through NYDA and DSBD programmes.
It gives them financial support through grants and other forms of support, including mentoring and connecting them to markets.
It is focusing on areas like food processing, digital services, retail and creative areas where young people can get more jobs.
The aim is to help build systems that enable self-employment, which will decrease dependence on traditional jobs.
PYEI’s Important Programmes
BEEI School Assistant Programme
BEEI or Basic Education Employment Initiative is a program for hiring assistants in schools. Under this program, young people are hired as Education Assistants (e.g. classroom support, Reading Champions, ICT assistants) or General School Assistants (e.g. maintenance, sports and culture support). A matric pass is usually required for the Education Assistant post, but you can apply for the General School Assistant post even without a matric. Eligible applicants are unemployed young people aged 18 to 34-35 who are not receiving any other government grant. Along with a monthly stipend, training is also provided, which helps with future employment opportunities.
YES Programme
The Youth Employment Service (YES) program runs in partnership with private organizations. Under this, companies voluntarily provide 12 months of workplace experience to young people, and in return they receive B-BBEE recognition. Any eligible unemployed young person can apply to this. If completed successfully, it provides real workplace experience, which helps in getting permanent employment later. Opportunities are available in many sectors such as retail, technology, hospitality, finance and manufacturing.
National Youth Service (NYS)
NYS is primarily a service-oriented program where young people work on community development while also receiving paid training. For those who are not able to enter the job market directly right now, this is an excellent starting point. They are generally recruited in sectors like health, education, environmental and security.
Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund
This is a large outcome-based fund that aims to help previously disadvantaged youth access quality jobs. A pay-for-performance model is used here too- training organizations only receive payment when young people actually get employed. The job must at least last for three months before the training centres receive their payments. Its priorities include digital inclusion, business creation, and work integrated learning. For those who are not finding jobs through traditional routes, this is an alternative and effective opportunity.
NYDA Enterprise Support
The National Youth Development Agency provides financial and non-financial assistance to young entrepreneurs. Grants are also available for agriculture and technology projects (upto R250,000). This assistance is very important for those who want to start their own business but cannot proceed due to a lack of capital. This creates self-employment and opens up an alternative path beyond traditional jobs.
PYEI Registration Process (Step by Step)
The SA Youth (sayouth.mobi) platform is the gateway to almost all PYEI opportunities.
Open sayouth.mobi/join on your mobile phone or computer. Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, or Rain Mobile users can use this site without mobile data.
This will start the registration process.
A South African 13-digit ID number (or a refugee/work permit number), a working mobile number, and a valid email address.
Enter your name, date of birth, gender, and ID number correctly. This information is verified against the records of the Department of Home Affairs.
An OTP will be sent to your mobile number. Enter the OTP in the required field to verify your account.
Read the Terms & Conditions and tick the box.
Answer the questions about your educational qualifications, work experience, skills, languages, and preferred field. It takes about four minutes.
Click on your preferred opportunity and apply directly.
Some Tips to Avoid Mistakes
Use a valid and active mobile number, as all communication will be made through this number.
Don’t leave your profile incomplete. A profile filled less than 80% gets fewer matches.
Provide correct information. Giving incorrect information may cause problems later.
Log in to PYEI regularly and check your dashboard, as new opportunities are added regularly.
Scam Alert
If anyone asks you for money in exchange for a guaranteed job, understand that it is a scam.
Do not share your ID number, bank details, or OTP with anyone.
Only use the official website (sayouth.mobi) or government offices. Beware of fake websites with misspelled names.
If you notice any suspicious activity, contact the government helpline (0800 72 72 72) and report it.
Related Post
- SEDFA Support Programmes (SEDA)
- NYDA Grant Programme
- Funza Lushaka Bursary
- Global Agriculture and Food Security Program
- REIPPPP Renewable Energy IPP
- Section 12B / 12BA Tax Allowances
- EEDSM Programme
- Blended Finance Scheme
- Agro Energy Fund (AEF)
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
- Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP)
- Ilima/Letsema Programme
- National Research Foundation (NRF)
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is PYEI?
PYEI is an extensive project by the South African government. It involves various youth employment projects that link young people to employment and training opportunities.
How can one apply for PYEI?
Visit sayouth.mobi/Join where you can register at no cost within minutes with your ID and mobile numbers.
Who qualifies to apply for PYEI?
In general terms, unemployed South African nationals, permanent residents or individuals with refugee IDs aged between 15 and 34 can apply for PYEI.
Is PYEI free?
PYEI is entirely free. There is no registration fee or any costs for applying for the program.
Does PYEI guarantee a job?
No, PYEI does not guarantee a job. However, PYEI opens doors to genuine opportunities.
Can one apply for SRD R370 grant even on PYEI?
Yes, one can register through sayouth.mobi even when applying for the SRD grant. If you are chosen for a paid opportunity and earn beyond the required threshold level, then the SRD grant will be discontinued.
Official Links & Resources
This information is for general Information only; please verify accurate and updated information on the official sayouth.mobi website before applying.