Hyundai Automotive South Africa has funded the full cost of learner’s and driver’s licences for 50 young participants in its Youth Empowerment Service (YES) programme. The support, which complements workplace training and mentorship, aims to remove financial barriers to mobility and strengthen employability prospects for South African youth.
The initiative forms part of Hyundai’s Youth Empowerment Service (YES) structured workplace development programme. The learnerships provides learners with skills training, mentorship and practical work experience across the company’s nationwide dealerships as well as its Head Office operations.
CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, Stanley Anderson says the company recognised the link between mobility and economic opportunity.
“In today's competitive job market, a driver's licence has become an essential credential that can significantly enhance access to employment opportunities. By removing financial barriers to licencing, we are complementing their academic qualifications with licenses to improve their prospects for employability.”
Christine Masinga, Human Resources Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa says the initiative strengthens the company’s investment in youth development. “Our learners are already gaining workplace exposure and mentorship from teams across Hyundai. We identified licence acquisition as another critical life skill that could significantly improve their future prospects.”
Among those benefiting from the programme is Tshiamo Sedikane who says she initially did not think getting a driver's license was a priority.
“Before joining Hyundai, I did not think obtaining a driver’s licence was a priority as I was more focusing on learning and gaining operational workplace skills. Obtaining the driver’s license has given me confidence and contributed to helping me execute my tasks efficiently,” she says.
The support comes at a time when millions of South African youths remain without driver’s licences due to financial and social barriers. The total cost to obtain a driver’s licence including driving school lessons costs, typically range from R3 000 and R4 000 for a Code B (light motor vehicle).
Transport data indicates that between 70% and 80% of young South Africans do not possess a valid driver’s licence.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the collision repair industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the African automotive sector forward.
More From News
Global spotlight on VWGA apprentice Tshililo Nelwamondo
Tshililo Nelwamondo has earned international acclaim after being named Volkswagen Group Africa’s Best Apprentice for 2026, recognised at the prestigious Best Apprentice Awards in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Stellantis South Africa partners with Social Coding to expand digital learning
Stellantis South Africa has partnered with Social Coding South Africa to widen access to coding, robotics and digital skills in communities where technology remains scarce.
RMI strengthens support for artisan excellence
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation has reaffirmed its commitment to artisan development by hosting the Second Annual South African National Artisan Awards Selection Committee Inception Meeting.
ComputerLogic refreshes PMCLogic to strengthen paint and materials control
ComputerLogic has introduced an updated version of PMCLogic, its fully automated paint and materials management platform for collision repair businesses.
From Nissan Legacy to Chery Vision: Rosslyn’s Transformation
The Rosslyn automotive plant in Pretoria, once a bastion of Japanese manufacturing strength, has entered a new phase under the stewardship of Chery Automobile.
BASF Coatings Becomes Surventis and Begins New Chapter as Independent Business
Surventis has officially launched as an independent company, marking the completion of its carve-out from BASF and positioning the former BASF Coatings business as a major global player in automotive coatings and surface treatment.