Creating Bright, Boundless Futures for South Africa’s Youth

Johannesburg, 24 January 2023: In August 2022, Z Zurich Foundation, announced a three-year partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) Worldwide and Junior Achievement (JA) Africa that will enable thousands of youth across Africa to access (JA) programs that will set them on the path to success, not just as individuals but as leaders who influence positive change within their communities.

Today, Junior Achievement South Africa, a member of JA Worldwide, is proud to officially launch the beginning of learning experiences in South Africa under this partnership. Implemented as three-day boot camps culminating in three months of mentorship and coaching by industry leaders for the winning teams, this Social Equity Project will reach 5,000 youth in South Africa across three provinces this year, in partnership with community centers and universities, including UNISA and The Regent Business School. Interested youth can register here and will be placed at a community center or partnering business school near them.

The learning experience in South Africa is strategically aligned to the International Day of Education theme, “Invest in People, Prioritize Education.” The program will also ensure that mental wellbeing is incorporated as a priority for human development.

“Education has long been a conduit for change in communities. This partnership will enable youth empowered with the right skills to enter the workforce. The Z Zurich Foundation’s Social Equity programmes around the world are notable in uplifting communities, and we are excited about this partnership, which is much needed for the South African economy,” says Nelly Mofokeng, Managing Director at JA South Africa.

Adriana Poglia, the Z Zurich Foundation Social Equity Partnership Manager, said “The beginning of this partnership is very timely. Inequalities continue to rise as a direct result of the cost of living crisis and a lack of opportunity for young people. In addition to providing vital entrepreneurship and employability skills, this partnership recognises the importance of Mental wellbeing in addressing societal challenges, combining both education and mental wellbeing to ensure young people have the tools and confidence they need to achieve their full potential.”

Interested youth in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape are invited to apply and register here.

The Z Zurich Foundation – JA partnership is set to empower young people in South Africa to succeed as both innovative job creators and well-qualified job seekers, following the path best suited to their economic realities.

About JA South Africa

Junior Achievement (JA) South Africa—a member of JA Worldwide—is one of South Africa’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs. JA South Africa has a presence in all nine provinces and has reached over 600,000 youth since its inception in 1979. It is JA Africa’s oldest JA member and reaches youth through entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health. 

About Z Zurich Foundation

The Z Zurich Foundation works alongside Zurich Insurance Group employees and other stakeholders as well as with governments and NGOs in pursuit of a future where people can thrive in the face of increasing climate hazards, where those of us feeling the stresses of life are empowered to speak up, and where the marginalized in our society can reach their full potential.

The Z Zurich Foundation is a Swiss-based charitable foundation established by members of the Zurich Insurance Group. It is the main vehicle by which Zurich Insurance Group delivers on its global community investment strategy. Visit the Z Zurich Foundation’s website to learn more about its work: https://zurich.foundation.

Media Enquiries:

Bernadette Bule 

JA South Africa 

Marketing and Communications Manager