The City of Tshwane is offering young people aged 18 to 35 the chance to register for the Ithuba Youth Economic Development Programme (IYEDP) for 2026. This initiative provides a platform for access to various economic opportunities including skills development, internships, artisan training, employment readiness, entrepreneurship assistance, driver’s licence support, and supplier development.
About the Ithuba Youth Economic Development Programme
Ithuba, meaning “opportunity” in isiZulu, is a broad economic development programme focused on empowering the youth of Tshwane to actively participate in the economy. It does so by connecting young individuals to practical pathways such as internships, artisan development, business growth support, and other employment-related opportunities. The programme is uniquely versatile, offering multiple avenues rather than a single learnership or internship.
Who Can Apply?
The programme specifically targets residents of Tshwane aged between 18 and 35 years. Registration is open to young people from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including unemployed graduates, TVET College students, those pursuing skilled trades, and aspiring entrepreneurs. However, registering on the platform does not guarantee eligibility for all opportunities—each has its own specific requirements.
Main Opportunity Areas
- Skilled Trades: Artisan and technical training for youth with technical qualifications or TVET backgrounds.
- Work Readiness and Internships: Support with CV writing, interview skills, internships, and employment placement.
- Driver’s Licence Support: Assistance for obtaining driving licences, which are often required for various job sectors.
- Business and Entrepreneurship: Aid for youth seeking to start or expand their businesses, including access to market and supply chain opportunities.
- Supplier Development: Helping youth-led businesses register as suppliers to the City of Tshwane and improve compliance for municipal procurement.
Location and Duration
The programme operates within the City of Tshwane metropolitan area in Gauteng, South Africa, with ongoing registration and opportunities available throughout 2026.
Application Details
Applicants must register online through the official Ithuba portal, which features a six-step registration process covering account creation, personal and contact information, enterprise details (if applicable), programme interests, and final submission. After registering, candidates should regularly check for new opportunities and their specific application requirements and deadlines.
Key Points Before Applying
- Registration does not guarantee employment or placement; selection depends on meeting criteria for each opportunity.
- Applicants should prepare documents such as a South African ID, CV, matric certificate, tertiary qualifications, proof of residence, driver’s licence (if relevant), and business registration details (where applicable).
- There is no universal stipend for the programme; financial benefits depend on individual opportunities.
- Beware of scams promising guaranteed selection or requiring payment; only use the official portal and contact details.
How to Apply
To register for the Ithuba Youth Economic Development Programme 2026, visit the official Ithuba online portal. Returning users can access their accounts through the IYEDP login page. After registration, candidates should monitor the latest opportunities page for new openings and subscribe to alerts where available.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, the programme’s Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department can be contacted at:
6th Floor, Middestad Building, 252 Thabo Sehume Street, Pretoria Central, 0002
Phone: 012 358 4352/4
Email: [email protected]
