Unlocking transport opportunities: the role of YES

First introduced in 2009, the integrated transport sector codes have now been amended. Understanding the impact of these changes is crucial, especially in exploring how the Youth Employment Service (YES) can support transport sector companies in achieving their B-BBEE goals.

Before these updates, transport sector companies participating in YES adhered to specific conditions under the transport sector codes, distinct from the general B-BBEE requirements for YES outlined in the Gazette. These conditions addressed the unique needs and characteristics of the transport industry.

The transport sector codes are undergoing significant updates which will take effect immediately upon finalisation, with no transitional period provided. These changes align with the broader B-BBEE codes of good practice, presenting a potential challenge for companies that may risk losing B-BBEE points if they fail to comply with the new criteria. This is especially crucial for businesses aiming to maintain or improve their B-BBEE status, as non-compliance can result in dropping a level.

Key changes in the codes affect elements such as management control and employment equity (EE), where entities now need to demonstrate a stronger focus on black female representation. Failure to submit EE reports will result in ineligibility for points under management control. Additionally, companies must absorb a percentage of learners into permanent roles, targeting 5% of total employees through EE to secure points under the skills development element.

For transport companies, one of the greatest risks is failing to meet these EE and management representation targets, with the potential for losing points and dropping a level on their B-BBEE scorecard. This is where YES can help.

How YES fits in

YES is the largest 12-month, full-time youth employment programme in the country. By partnering with YES, businesses in the transport sector can gain up to two level-ups on their B-BBEE scorecards.

YES has already proven itself to be one of the true innovators in South Africa. With over 1,805 corporate partners, YES has created more than 163,000 jobs for young South Africans, injecting R9.2 billion into the economy through YES youth salaries. Beyond its B-BBEE incentives, YES provides transport-specific solutions that offer shared value to companies, communities, and the country.

By partnering with YES, transport companies can align with their B-BBEE and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals:

1. Internal youth placement: Businesses can choose to place youth within their own structures and foster skills development, preparing youth for careers in transport-related fields. In return, this creates a talent pipeline of employees that best match an organisation’s culture and values. This option forms a structured pathway to address the changes to the management control element of the sector codes. By placing talented youth, especially black females, into management training roles through YES, companies can improve their junior management pipeline and align with the updated EE and management control criteria.
2. YES turnkey solution: The turnkey solution allows businesses to place youth with 22 vetted host partners across South Africa. These host partners place youth in various high-impact sectors on behalf of the sponsoring corporate.

YES host partners work in the following sectors: green economy and renewables, drones, digital/global business support services, healthcare, education, and SMME support. This means that organisations can create critical youth jobs in sectors that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and/or ESG strategies.

By creating critical youth jobs through YES, businesses not only enhance their B-BBEE scores, but also align with their EE strategies, contribute to socio-economic transformation, and support community growth and transformation. YES ensures that all youth thrive in secure and productive environments by implementing proactive and reactive measures. These measures provide valuable insights, enabling companies to maintain programme quality and accountability while driving tangible change in line with the updated transport sector codes.