National Youth Service Phase V: 100 000 Community-Based Opportunities Now Open Across South Africa
South African youth now have a new pathway into paid, skills-building work through the National Youth Service (NYS) Programme Phase V. This community-based initiative has created 100 000 opportunities nationwide, giving unemployed young people a structured way to gain experience while earning a stipend and contributing to community development.
If you are between 18 and 35, currently not in employment, education, or training (NEET), and looking for a legitimate way into the world of work, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about NYS Phase V, where the opportunities are located, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply.
What Is the National Youth Service Programme Phase V?
The National Youth Service Programme is a government-backed youth employment initiative implemented through SA Youth in partnership with NYDA (National Youth Development Agency) and a network of community-based implementing partners. Phase V focuses on placing unemployed youth into meaningful, community-based service roles that build skills, work experience, and personal growth while directly supporting local development projects.
Participants are not left to figure things out alone. Each opportunity sits with an established implementing partner organisation that manages onboarding, day-to-day supervision, and community integration, so applicants join a structured programme rather than an informal placement.
Where Are the NYS Phase V Opportunities Located?
Phase V opportunities are spread across multiple provinces and implementing partners, giving applicants several regional options depending on where they live. Current sites include the following.
Gauteng Province
Gauteng has the widest spread of opportunities under Phase V, hosted by the McIntyre Hope Foundation across several municipalities:
- Roodeport
- Diepsloot
- Johannesburg, Mogale City, Randfontein, Rietfontein, and Itsoseng
- Lanseria
The McIntyre Hope Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on empowering youth and supporting vulnerable communities across South Africa through impactful community programmes that create opportunities, restore dignity, and drive sustainable social change.
North-West Province
The Thandanani Drop Inn Center hosts opportunities in the North-West region. Thandanani is a youth-driven group of passionate volunteers finding innovative ways to uplift their community and themselves, working to address poverty, unemployment, and drug abuse under the belief that prevention is better than cure and that education is key to building a growing nation.
Eastern Cape Province
Indlela Social Development NPC, based in Durban, hosts NYS opportunities in the Eastern Cape. The organisation is committed to improving access to education, preserving heritage, and empowering children, women, and underserved communities.
KwaZulu-Natal Province
Youth Intersection hosts opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal. This South African-based non-governmental organisation is primarily aimed at empowering individuals, organisations, and communities to realise their full potential and drive lasting economic and social prosperity.
Who Qualifies for NYS Phase V?
Before applying, check that you meet the full selection criteria, since incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered:
- You must be a South African citizen with a valid ID
- You must be between 18 and 35 years old
- You must live within the local municipality or community where the programme site is located
- You must be able to travel easily to the implementing partner’s site
- Preference is given to unemployed youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
- You must be able to contribute positively to the community and complete the programme to a high standard
- You must not have participated in previous phases of the programme
- People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Meeting the location requirement matters as much as age and citizenship. NYS opportunities are matched to your registered address, so applicants outside the relevant municipality will not see opportunities appear on their profile.
Programme Duration and Stipend
NYS Phase V placements run for 6 months, totaling 384 hours, structured around 64 working hours per month. Participants receive a stipend of R24.18 per hour, which works out to R1 547.00 per month.
While the stipend is modest, the real value of the programme lies in the structured work experience, references, and skills development that participants gain, all of which strengthen a CV for future employment opportunities.
How to Apply for NYS Phase V
Applying is done entirely through the SA Youth platform. Follow these steps carefully to avoid missing your local opportunity.
- Visit sayouth.me/NYS and log in if you already have an SA Youth account.
- New to SA Youth? Register at sayouth.mobi, which takes about 4 minutes to complete.
- Already registered? Simply log in using your existing details.
- Once registered, NYS opportunities near your registered address will appear automatically, allowing you to apply directly.
- Follow the instructions on the opportunity card to complete your application.
- If no opportunities are showing, search for “NYS” directly in the SA Youth search bar.
Before applying, make sure your SA Youth CV is complete. Incomplete profiles are a common reason applicants get overlooked, even when they qualify for the role.
Click Here To Apply: sayouth.me/NYS
Need Help With Your Application?
If you run into difficulties registering or applying, support is available directly through SA Youth:
- Call the SA Youth support line on 0800 72 72 72 (toll-free), Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm
- Save the support-line number on your phone and start a chat on WhatsApp, available 24/7
- Visit any NYDA centre for in-person assistance with registration
Final Thoughts
NYS Phase V is one of the more accessible entry points into structured work experience for young South Africans right now, particularly for NEET youth who need a first foothold rather than a polished resume. With opportunities spread across Gauteng, North-West, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, and a straightforward application process through SA Youth, there is a strong chance a placement exists close to where you live.
Check your eligibility against the criteria above, get your SA Youth CV in order, and apply before positions in your area fill up.
Click Here To Apply: sayouth.me/NYS
Follow Youth Opportunities Hub via our official channels (just click on any link): Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp Channel and Telegram
Looking for another opportunity?
Search Youth Opportunities Hub for jobs, bursaries, internships, learnerships, scholarships and more.
