In commemoration of Youth Day, Power Process Systems (PPS) is reinforcing its commitment to empowering young South Africans through job creation and skills development initiatives. A recently awarded contract to supply overhead pole boxes has enabled PPS to create employment opportunities for a group of previously unemployed young men and women.
These entry-level roles are designed not only to provide immediate income but also to equip participants with practical skills and experience that can open doors to future career pathways across the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. According to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), youth unemployment (ages 15–34) stood at about 46.1% in early 2026, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions that create sustainable opportunities for young people.
“Youth employment is about far more than earning a salary,” says Ervin Toth, Operations Director at PPS. “It is about building self-esteem, fostering a sense of belonging, and unlocking the immense potential within our youth. Through initiatives like this, we are investing not only in individuals but also in the long-term resilience and growth of our industry and our country.”
Observed annually on June 16, Youth Day honours the legacy of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when thousands of students protested against apartheid's education system. Today, it serves as both a remembrance of that historic struggle and a call to action to address the challenges facing young South Africans.
PPS believes that meaningful employment and skills development are critical to addressing poverty, inequality, and social instability. By providing structured opportunities and workplace exposure, the company aims to help build a more inclusive and capable workforce. “These opportunities are an investment in the future leaders of our country,” adds Toth.
“By supporting youth through employment and skills development, we are helping to lay the foundation for innovation, economic participation, and sustainable growth. PPS celebrates the resilience, determination, and ambition of South Africa’s youth, and remains committed to playing an active role in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future,” he concludes.