African Youth

Importance of the Nedbank YES Affidavit For Unemployed SA Youth in the Youth Employment Service YES Programme

Importance of the Nedbank YES Affidavit For Unemployed SA Youth in the Youth Employment Service YES Programme
Importance of the Nedbank YES Affidavit For Unemployed SA Youth in the Youth Employment Service YES Programme

Importance of the Nedbank YES Affidavit For Unemployed SA Youth in the Youth Employment Service YES Programme

The Nedbank YES Affidavit is a key document for young South Africans applying to the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme through Nedbank. This initiative, a partnership among businesses, government, and the YES nonprofit, addresses youth unemployment by offering 12-month paid work experience opportunities. Nedbank has been a major supporter since 2019, helping thousands of young people gain skills, workplace experience, and better opportunities for long-term employment.

What is the YES Programme?

The YES Programme creates quality 12-month work placements (not internships, learnerships, or apprenticeships) for unemployed youth aged 18–29. Participants receive a monthly stipend (in line with programme standards), mentorship, and real-world experience in a professional setting, such as banking at Nedbank. The goal is simple: equip young people with skills to improve their employability and contribute to South Africa’s economy.
Nedbank’s YES placements often start around mid-year (e.g., May or June in recent intakes), and applications open periodically—such as early 2026 for that year’s intake.

Why the Affidavit Matters

The Nedbank YES affidavit is a sworn declaration (made under oath) that confirms your eligibility. It helps Nedbank and the YES initiative verify that applicants meet core criteria and haven’t already benefited from the programme elsewhere. Typical statements in the affidavit include:
  • Your full name, ID number, and age (confirming you’re 18–29).
  • That you are currently unemployed.
  • That you meet the definition of “Black People” as per South African law (where applicable for specific placements).
  • That you have not previously participated in any YES programme with any organisation.
This declaration is made under oath, so it’s legally binding. At the end, you sign it, and it must be commissioned (signed and stamped) by a Commissioner of Oaths—commonly at a police station, post office, or with a qualified professional.

How to Handle the Affidavit

  1. Download the official template from Nedbank’s careers site (often named something like “nedbank-yes-affidavit.pdf”).
  2. Fill in your personal details accurately.
  3. Print it out.
  4. Take it to a Commissioner of Oaths to swear/affirm the statements and get it certified.
  5. Submit the certified copy as part of your online application (along with your ID, CV, qualifications, etc.).
Applicants often upload a scanned, certified version during the application process. It is important to adhere to the requirements as indicated above. Bringing all required documents on board is necessary to ensure the possibility of securing a post.

Quick Tips for Applicants

  • Be honest—false declarations can disqualify you or lead to issues later.
  • Double-check deadlines (e.g., recent intakes closed in early February).
  • Prepare other documents early: a certified copy of ID, proof of matriculation/qualifications, and, in some cases, a consent/indemnity form.
  • Visit Nedbank’s official careers page or the YES website for the latest templates and updates.
The affidavit is a small but crucial step toward valuable experience. For many young South Africans, saying YES to this programme has been a game-changer—proving that with the right opportunity, fresh talent can thrive. If you’re eligible, it’s worth applying!

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