What is NYS?

The National Youth Service (NYS) is a national project that is aimed at engaging young people in a disciplined process of a valued and necessary service to the community in which they live, while increasing their own skills, education and opportunities to generate income. The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development views the NYS as a stepping stone to the enhancement of the youth’s activity in economic and personal development.

Who is legible to participate in the NYS?

The unemployed youth aged between 18 and 35 with a grade 10, 11 or 12 certificates.

Which skills category is offered by the NYS?

·         Technical skills

·         Life skills

·         Health sector

How is it different from Internships and learnerships?

Like learnerships and internships, the NYS offers young people the chance of structured learning and personal development, preparing them for opportunities to further their studies, obtain formal employment or venture into self employment.

The NYS is however different from learnerships and internships, it emphasis on community services and civic duty, with volunteers rendering for small stipend (not actual salary).

How can one access opportunities created by the NYS?

Whenever opportunities are available for the youth advertisements are posted on local newspapers and the department of labour. 

For more information on NYS in Gauteng, please call or visit the Department of Infrastructure Development at:

Tel: 011 355 5000

Corner House Building

Corner Sauer and Commissioner Street

Johannesburg