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GEORGE NEWS - Mogapi and Bighearts Africa's YES Youth Placement Initiative, a programme designed to provide unemployed youth with valuable job skills and practical workplace training, recently placed several young people in jobs in the area.
The initiative creates a mutually beneficial partnership, enabling young people to gain entry into the job market while allowing employers to train and assess potential recruits within their businesses.
Three of the participants were placed at the George Tennis Club precinct. Leandré Johnson (24) works at the Tennis Club, Pee-Jay Harmse (23) is based at the Squash Club, and Aphelelé Biko (25) works for the Great Racket Shop. The club, a central hub within the George community, required additional staff to support its continued growth. This marks the second consecutive year that Bighearts Africa has placed youth at the club, which has experienced notable development during this period.
Aphelelé Biko was placed at the Great Tennis Academy's Great Racket Shop. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
Rohniel Terblanche (25) was placed at Wings Fitness Club, where he manages the pickleball section and has quickly established himself as a valued team member.
Depending on their specific roles, participants acquire a range of practical skills, including barista training, sales support, basic maintenance, preparing light meals, client engagement and assisting facility managers with daily operational responsibilities.
These competencies are designed to improve employability and workplace readiness.
Christine de Wet, host liaison of Bighearts Africa, said: "We are proud to place youth in the Garden Route and help both small businesses and young people alike. Our next big placement will hopefully be with the Garden Route Botanical Garden."
Through initiatives such as this, Mogapi and Bighearts Africa continue to strengthen local enterprises while equipping young people with the skills and experience needed to build sustainable careers.
WATCH: From barista duties to managing pickleball courts, these young participants are gaining hands-on experience through the YES Youth Placement Initiative, building skills that benefit both their futures and local businesses.
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