South Africa is facing an urgent challenge: youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, with 46.1% of young people aged 15–34 – about 4.9 million individuals – currently out of work, according to the latest Q2 2025 labour statistics from Statistics SA. For years, township communities, once excluded from the formal economy, have been among the hardest hit, grappling with limited infrastructure, constrained opportunities, and slow economic mobility.
Against this backdrop, the Takealot Group is taking decisive action with a pilot project that will change lives and unlock potential. Through the Youth Employment Service (YES) Learnership Programme, Takealot Group is not just creating jobs – it is building pathways into the digital economy, empowering township-based SMMEs, and equipping young South Africans with skills for the future.
Driving Impact Through Partnership
In partnership with YES, Takealot Group sponsors learners who are placed with SMMEs – all of whom are active Takealot Marketplace sellers. These learners, totalling 75, provide administrative and operational support, enabling small business owners to focus on growing their core enterprises. In return, the learners gain valuable work experience, develop in-demand digital skills, and prepare themselves for the evolving job market.
“This initiative is about more than numbers – it’s about people, opportunity, and lasting change,” says Tshepo Marumule, Takealot Group, Head of Public Policy and External Affairs. “By integrating young people into the heart of township-based small businesses, we are tackling two of South Africa’s most pressing challenges: youth unemployment and the need to strengthen SMMEs. This is how we create inclusive economic growth – how we change lives for the better through e-commerce.”
Revitalising Township Economies
The two cohorts include 25 SMMEs across Gauteng in communities such as Soweto, Soshanguve, and Krugersdorp. Operating in sectors from fashion and beauty to agriculture and household goods, these businesses leverage the Takealot Marketplace platform to reach millions of customers across South Africa, transforming local enterprises into nationwide retailers
The marketplace sellers report that the learners have improved operational efficiency, enhanced digital engagement, and freed up valuable time for strategic growth.
Lufuno Rasoesoe, Managing Director of Tosh Detergents, shares:
“Having four YES learners sponsored by Takealot Group has been a tremendous boost. They’ve brought energy, commitment, and a hunger to learn that has positively influenced our team culture. Their contributions have not only supported our operations but have helped increase sales through their dedication to learning and applying new skills.”
For learners like Yanga Plaatjie, the experience is life-changing:
“I am learning so many skills and gaining knowledge that will help me in the future. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”
Building a More Inclusive Digital Future
The early results are promising – boasting a 95% retention rate for the first cohort, with many of these marketplace sellers eager to retain their learners beyond the programme. The success of the pilot will guide expansion into other regions across South Africa, with an ambitious goal: by 2028, the Takealot Group aims to create 20,000 income-generating opportunities through initiatives such as the Takealot Township Economy Initiative (TTEI), train 6,000 last-mile delivery drivers, and onboard 5,000 personal shoppers and 5,000 marketplace sellers.
The vision is clear: to embed inclusive growth deep into the DNA of South Africa’s e-commerce ecosystem – connecting people, powering businesses, and transforming communities.
