With nearly 60% of South Africa’s youth unemployed, creating inclusive pathways into work is one of the country’s most urgent challenges. At the same time, the early childhood development (ECD) sector, which employs around 200,000 people, mostly Black women, holds untapped potential for social impact and economic opportunity.

At IMBE, we believe that strengthening this vital ECD ecosystem means investing not only in the women entrepreneurs shaping young minds, but also in the young people who help deliver our programmes. Whether they’re teaching practitioners digital and financial skills or cultivating a culture of care and collaboration, our young team members bring fresh energy and innovative thinking to a sector traditionally led by older women.

Youth Representation in Action 

This commitment is reflected in our own team. IMBE intentionally recruits youth from the very communities our ECD practitioners serve, embedding local capacity and ensuring they are supported by individuals who understand their context, speak their language, and champion their progress from within. Out of a staff complement of more than 30 people, 85% are under the age of 35 and 90% are Black South Africans.

Among our 20 field and call centre agents, 90% are youth and all are Black, a direct result of our intentional approach to inclusive hiring. Nearly all were recruited through SA Youth, a national platform that forms part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative. The platform connects young job seekers to opportunities via a zero-rated mobile service, removing the barrier of data costs. Geo-mapping features also help match them with jobs close to home, reducing transport expenses and making access to work more affordable.

More Than a Job: Making an Impact 

Our youth agents are the heartbeat of IMBE’s practitioner support.  Through in-person field visits and remote call centre engagement, they walk alongside ECD practitioners, offering encouragement, sharing practical resources, and helping build the confidence to grow.

We are continuously learning what works best to help practitioners build stronger, more sustainable businesses, and have been exploring a more field-based support model, deploying youth agents directly into communities to offer hands-on guidance where it’s needed most.

Field agents play a critical role in this evolving approach. From guiding financial record keeping to conducting infrastructure site assessments as part of the Department of Basic Education’s registration journey, they help practitioners embed IMBE’s business tools into daily practice.. As trusted, consistent  points of contact, they bring energy, local insight, and culturally relevant support that builds financial management skills and strengthens operations over time.

And it’s making a difference. A recent survey of approximately 1,000 practitioners from our first four cohorts found that 92% said field visits were helpful, highlighting the value practitioners place on receiving support from people who understand their local context and meet them where they are.

Our call centre team continues to play an equally crucial role, offering remote, responsive support to practitioners across IMBE’s national network. From resolving queries and troubleshooting digital tools, to conducting telephonic surveys and ensuring accurate data collection, call centre agents help practitioners stay engaged and on track throughout their journey with us.

Whether in the field or on the phone, both roles reflect IMBE’s commitment to building trusting relationships and delivering support that helps practitioners grow stronger businesses.

Growing Skills, Confidence and Careers

At IMBE, hiring young people is just the starting point, we also invest in their growth. Through structured training, mentoring, and hands-on learning, we help our young employees build real career pathways across ECD, technology, data, and social impact.

Take Phindile Ngema, 33. She started at IMBE as a call centre agent two years ago and now helps train and mentor new team members while contributing to strategic projects. “This experience has been truly transformative,” she says. “Personally, it’s boosted my confidence and helped me realise my own potential. Professionally, it’s shown me that growth comes from both opportunity and a willingness to learn.” She’s currently studying further and working towards her goal of becoming a project manager.

Or Dakalo Nyambeni, 29. She joined IMBE as a customer service agent in March 2023. Within a few months, she was promoted to a quality assurance role, and now works as a customer service analyst. “This experience has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, learn new tools, and think critically about how we support practitioners and strengthen the sector,” she reflects. Her ambition is to become a data and business analyst, using insights to drive meaningful change across the ECD ecosystem.

For both women, working at IMBE has meant more than just a job. It’s provided a sense of purpose, growth, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to society. Their advice to other young people entering the ECD space? Start small, embrace every learning opportunity, and take ownership of your journey. In a sector full of possibility, determination and commitment can open the door to real impact.

Where Purpose Meets Progress 

We’re proud of the young people at IMBE who show up every day with passion, curiosity and commitment. They’re not simply filling roles, they’re helping to build a stronger, more inclusive ECD sector and transforming the communities around them.

As we commemorate Youth Month, we’re reminded that investing in young people isn’t just about creating jobs. It’s a strategy for unlocking leadership, innovation, and lasting social impact. When equipped with the right skills, mentorship, and meaningful work, youth have the power to become the changemakers South Africa needs to build a better future for all.