South Africa’s high unemployment rate is a critical challenge, particularly among young people. The Mr Price Foundation’s JumpStart program is tackling this issue head-on by equipping unemployed youth with essential skills and connecting them to career opportunities in the retail and supply chain sectors. This innovative initiative not only provides job seekers with valuable training but also helps employers access work-ready talent tailored to the retail industry’s needs.
What is the JumpStart Program?
The JumpStart program is a work-readiness initiative that has been running successfully for over a decade. It includes multiple tailored modules such as:
- Retail Sales Programme (RSP): A two-week training experience focused on customer service roles, offering life skills, sales theory, and real-world experience in retail settings.
- Retail Frontline Programme: Entry-level employment readiness with a focus on in-store operations.
- Professional Retail Programme (PRP): A more advanced, eight-month internship targeting graduates, preparing them for specialized retail roles through a combination of classroom, online, and hands-on learning.
Skills Development for Success
The program emphasizes both hard and soft skills, with courses covering personal development, communication, emotional growth, and practical workplace competencies. Participants leave the program with:
- Credible work experience.
- Certifications to boost their CVs.
- A solid foundation in customer engagement, product knowledge, and workplace readiness.
Bridging the Gap to Employment
JumpStart stands out by being demand-driven, aligning its training to the specific needs of the retail industry. While employment after completing the program isn’t guaranteed, the initiative’s strong industry partnerships increase the chances of job placement. For example, 21 graduates were recently employed at Mr Price’s Fourways Mall store.
A Nationwide Initiative
Training sessions are held in major cities, including Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, with recruitment targeting South African youth aged 18–33 years. The program is accessible to those who meet the basic requirements, such as holding a matric certificate, being unemployed, and having no criminal record.
Impact and Recognition
The program has earned accolades for its contribution to youth employment and skills development, including recognition from NEPAD for its innovative approach to addressing unemployment in Africa.
If you’re passionate about retail and looking to build a meaningful career, JumpStart offers a stepping stone to a brighter future. Visit the Mr Price Foundation’s JumpStart page for more details on how to apply and get started.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.