TEPA and Kids Haven Unite to Transform Youth Employment in South Africa

TEPA and Kids Haven have forged a groundbreaking partnership to tackle youthunemployment, creating real pathways into automotive careers during MandelaMonth.

In the spirit of Mandela Month, the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), anassociation of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), has announced a newpartnership with Kids Haven to help bridge the gap between vulnerable youth andreal-world employment opportunities in the automotive sector. The theme forMandela Day this year is "It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity."

"Youth unemployment is one of South Africa's most pressing challenges," says Dylan Petzer, National Vice Chairman of the Tyre, Equipment and Parts Association(TEPA). "As an industry, we have a responsibility and a real opportunity to be part ofthe solution. Through this partnership with Kids Haven, we're creating meaningful pathways into work for young people who have so much to offer but often lack the access and support needed to take their first steps."

Kids Haven runs a holistic Pathway Programme supporting youth as they transition out of shelter care and into employment, education, or training. The organisation tackles barriers such as transport, childcare, confidence, and access to information, ensuring young people are not only work-ready but supported throughout the process.

"Youth unemployment is a national crisis. Corporates have the power to shift outcomes through inclusive skilling and placement partnerships," says Ilka Stein, Manager: Youth & Skills Development at Kids Haven. "Our model is flexible and individualised, and we already have success stories showing the power of exposure, connection, and support. The current partnership with TEPA is one such success story."

The partnership will see TEPA members offering facility visits, mentorship, short-term internships training, and potential employment placements for youth aligned with automotive sector needs. "TEPA's broad industry network and focus on skillsdevelopment make it a natural fit for this impactful collaboration," says Petzer.

"Some of the most rewarding roles in our sector don't require a matric certificate –what they do require is passion, a willingness to learn, and a foot in the door. That's exactly what this partnership offers," he says.

For the first one to three months, Kids Haven covers stipends and transport,reducing the financial burden on businesses whilst ensuring a strong supportstructure remains in place. "We're not just connecting youth to jobs; we're workingtogether to build futures," adds Stein.

Stein extended her heartfelt thanks to TEPA for joining hands with Kids Haven andtaking a meaningful step towards inclusive youth development. "We are deeply grateful for TEPA's commitment and look forward to growing this partnership in the months ahead – reaching even more young people with hope, opportunities, and real pathways to employment."