​Gauteng province's flagship youth empowerment initiative, Tshepo 1 Million, provides hope to young people who are unemployed and looking for a way to access the skills and learning that will prepare them for the world of work.
The programme has created demand-driven learning, earning and entrepreneurship opportunities for 718 636 young people in Gauteng in the past five years. Here are some beneficiary stories:
 
Name: Vuthlari Evidence Mabunda
Age: 25
From: Soweto, Johannesburg
After completing her Civil Engineering and Building Construction Level 4 qualification in 2019, Vutlhari struggled to find employment for a year. In 2021, she applied for the BluLever Apprenticeship that was advertised on Tshepo 1 Million's Facebook page. She attended the Leadership Base Camp before being awarded a 3 Year BluLever Apprenticeship. Vutlhari's life has changed and she is now financially independent and can support her daughter and family.
 
 

Name: Tshepiso Makhubedu
Age: 26
From: Atteridgeville, Tshwane
 
Tshepiso completed matric in 2014 and struggled to find employment. In 2021, she registered on Tshepo 1 Million's mobi-site and was matched with the National Business Initiative (NBI) Skills Programme. This 9-month programme provides candidates with installation, repair and maintenance skills so they can become professional artisans. The exposure inspired her to start a sustainable glass-glazing business and give back by providing job opportunities for the youth in her community.
 

Name: Reuben Vonani Mathebula
Age: 35
Area: Randfontein, Mohlakeng
Reuben registered with Tshepo 1 Million in 2018. He was invited to attend a TymeBank and Edge Field Marketing training, with 17 other candidates and only one position to fill. He got the job, as a TymeBank ambassador. In March 2020, he was offered a permanent position as Senior Ambassador.
 

Name: Sinekhaya Manciya
Age: 30
Area: Brakpan, Ekurhuleni
Sinekhaya considers himself an entrepreneur and game-changer. In 2019, he came across the #BossoKeMang Elevator Pitch hosted by Tshepo 1 Million at the Gauteng Youth Expo where he was exhibiting his watch range. He was awarded grant funding for his watch business 'Snezar' which helped him grow his business. He draws inspiration from South Africans who are making big leaps in entertainment, fashion and entrepreneurship. 
 

Name: Moipone Tsotetsi
Age: 32
From: Vaal, Sedibeng
 
Moipone is the founder and manager of Wisdom Cake Company. In 2019, she attended the Tshepo 1 Million Youth Expo at Nasrec. There, she pitched her business idea in the #BossoKeMang pitching platform in partnership with the NYDA. She registered her company and was mentored on how to manage and sustain her business. Moipone's vision is to become a leader in the cake industry and in time, manufacture her own baking ingredients.