SACGRA, the South African Council for Graduates, was established under the Co-operative Amendment Act of 2013 to enhance youth capabilities and promote graduate cooperatives as viable economic entities. This initiative aims to stimulate job creation, attract foreign direct investment, and facilitate skills transfer, particularly in municipalities and rural areas.
By focusing on skills development, SACGRA aligns its efforts with the Skills Development Act of 1998 and the National Skills Development Strategy, ensuring a structured approach to education and training. The council is also a member of the Presidential Youth Working Group, formed by President Jacob Zuma in 2015, advising youth policy implementation. Under the leadership of Chairperson Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, SACGRA strives to cultivate competent graduates who can thrive as entrepreneurs or efficient employees. This dual focus not only supports national economic growth but also contributes to global economic change through skilled graduates.
SACGRA’s mission emphasizes closing the youth unemployment gap by connecting young people with workplace training, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing opportunities. It seeks to build a robust career pipeline linking educational institutions with employment sectors. The organization also prioritizes the professionalization of cooperatives through capacity building and market access initiatives. To achieve these goals, SACGRA has outlined several objectives:
- Connect youth to training and employment opportunities.
- Facilitate partnerships between businesses and government to engage talented youth.
- Support cooperative development through mentorship and business opportunities.
- Create networks that link employers with potential talent.
By championing these initiatives, SACGRA aims to foster a sustainable economic environment where youth can thrive as both employees and entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to South Africa’s industrialization and innovation efforts.