ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI CELEBRATES 231 YOUTH GRADUATES ENTERING THE GLOBAL BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR
A total of 231 young people from low-income communities have successfully transitioned into formal employment after graduating from the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP), a collaborative initiative between eThekwini Municipality and Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA).
The milestone was celebrated during a graduation ceremony held at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel yesterday, 10 March.
The ceremony highlighted the programme’s success in tackling youth unemployment while strengthening Durban’s growing Global Business Services (GBS) sector.
This strategic training, co-created by BPESA KZN and the Municipality serves as a high-impact solution to youth unemployment.
Using an impact sourcing model, the programme ensures inclusive economic growth by providing young people from disadvantaged communities with access to industry-relevant training and sustainable employment opportunities.
The GBS sector continues to be a key economic driver for the region.
Currently, eThekwini and KwaZulu-Natal account for approximately 13 percent of South Africa’s total GBS sector.
The region’s growth momentum is significant, as between 2018 and 2020 the sector created nearly 15 000 jobs, while 6 909 new sustainable jobs were added in 2024 alone.
Notably, Durban hosts 25 percent of the national GBS export segment, reinforcing the City’s growing reputation as a competitive destination for global investment and outsourcing services.
The ceremony was supported by the Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson Councillor Thembo Ntuli.
While presenting certificates to the graduates, Takalani Rathiyaya, Deputy Director for the City’s Industry Development Division expressed appreciation for the partnership.
“A heartfelt appreciation goes to BPESA for its strong commitment to creating meaningful job opportunities and providing relevant skills. We are currently working on renewing our memorandum of agreement with BPESA KZN to continue scaling a skilled workforce.”
He added that the graduation ceremony is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration in driving inclusive development.
Industry leaders also shared insights during the programme, including Robin Hoekstra, Chairperson of BPESA KZN and CEO of Outworx and Reshni Singh, CEO of BPESA National.
The continued success of the PESP initiative ensures that Durban remains at the forefront of the global digital economy, while creating sustainable employment opportunities for the City’s youth and strengthening the region’s economic resilience.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
