Mastercard has officially welcomed its 2026 Youth Employment Service (YES) cohort, reinforcing the company’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young South Africans and strengthening the country’s future talent pipeline.
Delivered in partnership with YES, the programme provides participants with hands-on work experience, structured mentorship, and critical skills development, equipping them to thrive in South Africa’s fast-evolving digital economy. YES youth are embedded across Mastercard teams, where they contribute to high-impact projects during a 12-month work experience programme designed to prepare them for long-term careers.
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing economic challenges, with unemployment among those aged 15 to 24 reaching 58.5% in the third quarter of 2025. Through initiatives such as YES, Mastercard continues to invest in practical solutions that help bridge the gap between education and employment.
Commenting on the initiative, Gabriel Swanepoel, Country Manager, Southern Africa at Mastercard, said developing young professionals is critical to South Africa’s economic resilience.
“Our collaboration with YES reflects our commitment to creating pathways that enable youth to gain meaningful experience and actively participate in the economy. By opening doors to employment opportunities, we aim to strengthen labour market participation, support GDP growth, and contribute to a more inclusive economic landscape.”
Similarly, Ravi Naidoo, CEO of YES, highlighted the importance of sustained private-sector partnerships in addressing youth unemployment.
“Young people have enormous potential to drive economic growth, and the most effective way to unlock that potential is by equipping them with the right skills and guidance. We are proud of our growing collaboration with Mastercard and its positive impact on integrating young people into the workforce.”
A total of 15 candidates have been selected for the 2025/26 Mastercard YES programme cycle, chosen for their drive and determination. Participants will undergo structured training, build essential workplace competencies, and expand their professional networks as they navigate the early stages of their careers.
Mastercard says it remains focused on supporting South Africa’s youth through initiatives that build skills, unlock potential, and promote inclusive growth. The YES programme continues to play a key role in enabling young people to participate in—and help shape—the country’s digital future.
Programme Alumni Perspective
Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Nishalia Pillay, Product Management Specialist at Mastercard, said:
“The YES programme at Mastercard provided a transformative foundation for my professional journey. The exposure to real-world work, supportive mentorship, and focus on professional development equipped me with the confidence to take my next steps in the industry.”
