28 May Blanchard South Africa tackling SA’s unemployment through free Leadership training
28 May, 2025 – As South Africa grapples with a persistently high unemployment rate, Blanchard South Africa has launched its innovative Student Self Leadership course for 2025, designed to equip students with critical skills for career success.
Initially started by the international Ken Blanchard Companies 40+ years ago, the programme, which was aimed at scholars between the ages of 14 and 18, has now evolved into a free, six-week online programme, aimed at empowering young minds to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
South Africa’s unemployment rate remains a significant challenge, with the official rate standing at 31.9% as of the fourth quarter of 2024. The expanded unemployment rate, which includes those discouraged from seeking work, is even higher at 41.9%.
“The youth unemployment rate is particularly alarming, with nearly 60% of young people aged 15 to 24 struggling to find employment,” notes Jayson Naidoo, Chief Encouragement Officer at Blanchard South Africa, adding that the country’s challenges underscores the need for innovative solutions to address the skills gap and encourage young South Africans to enter the workforce successfully.
Building the Next Generation’ Skills
“This initiative is based on empowering students to learn a framework for leading themselves. By giving students a head start in their careers, we help them navigate the transition from a structured learning environment to the workforce, where self-leadership is crucial,” says Naidoo.
Blanchard’s Student Self Leadership course provides students with essential skills such as challenging assumed constraints, how to be proactive, using your points of power, goal-setting, effective communication, and leadership development. The programme has already shown positive impacts, with past participants praising its transformative effects on their personal and professional lives.
“Many of our clients have stated that they wished that they had learned these skills years ago, before reaching adulthood, as it would have made their lives easier to manage and more fulfilling,” states Naidoo.
“We have taught groups of students in Grade 10, 11 and 12 from Orange Farm, as well as a scholar cohort from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). We have also partnered with Varsity College, where the programme is open to all faculties and they chose which students were invited, to provide this free five-week online course to their students for a second year running,” Naidoo highlights.
“The program has been launched successfully in Mauritius and Zambia as well”
The programme offers four key pillars of growth. Participants will experience a Mindset Makeover, learning how to overcome negative thinking and tap into their inner strength to build resilience and confidence. They will also develop Goal-Getter Skills, tailoring leadership styles to their unique development levels and empowering them to lead with authenticity and purpose and to be more proactive and responsible.
The programme further fosters Real Connections, offering attendees the chance to network with student leaders from across the country, creating opportunities for collaboration and shared learning. Finally, participants will have the chance to Certify Their Skills, earning a prestigious Blanchard certificate.
“This programme creates a path for young future leaders,” adds Naidoo. “By focusing on mindset, developing their inner leader, understanding what is holding them back and real-world connections, we’re preparing students not just for their careers, but for life. The Blanchard certification is an invaluable credential that sets the students apart from other candidates when it comes to applying for work. We believe that students will be able to make progress with less frustration and advocate for themselves when they need help,” Naidoo concludes.
Besides having the Self-Leadership initiative open to students nationwide, Blanchard also offers the programmes to clients and their employees who have children. By equipping young South Africans with these critical skills, Blanchard aims to make a positive impact on the country’s unemployment landscape and foster a brighter future for its youth.
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About Blanchard South Africa
Blanchard South Africa is committed to empowering individuals and organidations through leadership development programs. With a strong focus on CSI initiatives,
Blanchard aims to make a positive impact on South African communities by fostering self-leadership skills among the youth.
Media Contact:
Charles Poulter
Account Director
Cell: 076 812 8429
Email: charles@swmcommunications.co.za