Last-mile Delivery project for unemployed youth from rural mining towns
"I moved to Tembisa to join the Exxaro Learnership program. If it weren’t for this opportunity, I would never have discovered a place like Kaalfontein. Since arriving here, I’ve completed my training with Lulaway trainers and set up my profile with Takealot Centurion. Coming from a poor family background, my main focus has always been on working hard to build a better future, not just relying on the stipend. This program made me realize the importance of making the most of the opportunity to become a delivery driver for MrD. Today, I’m proud to say that I can now provide for my family, pay my bills, and buy the things I need, all because of this program. It has truly made a difference in my life. Starting my role as a driver for MrD at the Takealot Centurion Hub has been life-changing, and I believe things will only get better from here. So far, I’m making steady progress, and I’m excited about what lies ahead."
In 2022, Exxaro partnered with Lularides in the implementation of an ambitious youth employability and entrepreneurship programme, whereby 400 youths were to be selected from Exxaro’s mining operations’ areas and then relocated to more urban are as to work for leading E-Delivery platforms such as Checkers60-60, Mr Delivery, Takealot andUber Eats.
The programme was successfully implemented, achieving the desired outcomes, albeit with key lessons learned along the way that will be incorporated into a future programme to increase the overall retention of participants and the on-going long term sustainability of the new business enterprises created by the scooter drivers.
• 400 unemployed youths got their learner’s licences of which 57% was male and 46% was female
• 332 unemployed youths completed motorcycle training
• 228 unemployed youth were placed as delivery drivers for Mr D in Centurion, Soweto,• Middleburg, WItbank, Secunda
• The placed Youths are currently earning on average R3840 per fortnight excl the stipend
• 68 youth are still doing motorcycle training and still need to be placed to work. They only relocated to Johannesburg to attend bike training last month.