In collaboration with YES, this initiative aims to offer emerging talent invaluable hands-on experience, structured mentorship and skills development within a fast-evolving digital economy, says Mastercard.

YES Youth are integrated across Mastercard teams, working on high-impact projects to complete their twelve-month work experience programme, while building the professional grounding needed for long-term careers, adds Mastercard.

Youth unemployment in South Africa remains a significant economic challenge, with rates reaching 58.5% for those aged 15 to 24 in Q3 2025. Through strategic programmes like YES, Mastercard continues its aim to invest in practical solutions that help bridge the gap between education and employment, says Mastercard.

"We believe that developing young professionals is an investment in South Africa's economic resilience. Our collaboration with YES reflects our steadfast commitment to creating pathways that enable youth to gain meaningful experience and contribute to a thriving, inclusive economy," says Gabriel Swanepoel, Country Manager of Southern Africa at Mastercard.

"By opening doors to employment opportunities, we hope to stimulate participation in the labour market, subsequently strengthening both GDP growth and the broader economic landscape," adds Swanepoel.

"In the face of South Africa's high unemployment rate, it is vital that our collaboration with Mastercard continues to make strides in integrating the nation's youth into the workforce," says Ravi Naidoo, CEO of YES.

"Young people have immense potential to drive economic growth, and the best way to unlock that is by equipping them with the right tools and providing the necessary guidance. We are proud to see this collaboration grow, and we hope it will continue to succeed, benefiting generations to come," says Naidoo.

Fifteen candidates have joined the 2025 / 26 Mastercard YES programme cycle, selected for their drive and determination. They will take part in structured training, aimed at building essential workplace skills, and grow their networks as they navigate the early stages of their careers, adds Mastercard.

Mastercard remains focused on supporting South Africa's youth through initiatives that build skills, unlock potential, and contribute to a more inclusive economy. The YES initiative aims to continue to play a vital role in enabling young people to participate in, and shape the country's digital future, says Mastercard.

"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 have all equipped me to take confident next steps in the industry," concludes Nishali Pillay, Former YES Alumni, and Product Management Specialist at Mastercard.

For more information, visit www.mastercard.co.za. You can also follow Mastercard on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X.

*Image courtesy of contributor