{
  "id": 1740292,
  "title": "Helping women with skills to launch their careers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/helping-women-with-skills-to-launch-their-careers",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-18T15:48:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/2026-08-18-helping-women-with-skills-to-launch-their-careers/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Phakama Women’s Academy, an Environmental, Social and Governance initiative of VWV Group, has welcomed its Class of 2026, marking the 12th intake of 22 young women set to enter the workforce. The students, selected from Emeris, AFDA, and the University of Johannesburg, gathered for a launch event at Emeris Campus in Sandton earlier this month. This marks the 12th intake since the Academy’s inception in 2014, where over 200 young women have graduated.\n\nThe timing of the Academy’s launch is particularly significant, as unemployment among 15 to 24-year-olds stands at 60.9% and 40.6% among 25 to 34-year-olds in South Africa, according to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q1 2026. These figures are significantly higher than the national unemployment rate of 32.7%. Moreover, the disparity between young women and men is evident, with 39.2% of young women aged 15 to 24 not employed, educated, or in training, compared to 36.0% of young men—a gap that has widened in the past year.\n\nFounded in 2014 by Koo Govender, the first female CEO of VWV Group, the Academy focuses on equipping students with skills that traditional degrees often overlook. Students possess the qualifications upon entry, but the Academy introduces essential soft skills such as workplace readiness, communication, confidence, and professional networks. \"A degree gets you the interview,\" explains Shale Gama, Group Managing Director of VWV Group, \"but what happens after that requires a different set of skills entirely, and this is something most graduates are not taught. Phakama exists to bridge this gap.\"\n\nThroughout the upcoming months, the Class of 2026 will undergo six interactive modules designed to enhance their employability. These include \"Self Aware,\" \"Work Ready,\" \"Money Matters,\" \"Ready, Steady, Work,\" \"The Power of Sisterhood,\" and \"Unleash Your Brand.\" Additionally, the programme offers a robust network and one-on-one mentorship from respected South African businesswomen. These mentors volunteer their time and continue to support their mentees beyond the final module, often throughout graduation and into their careers.\n\nThe Academy's impact is evident in its continuing network, with alumnae returning to mentor newer cohorts. Tshenolo Mongale, a 2024 Phakama alumna, shared her experience during the launch and urged the Class of 2026 to maximize the opportunities they've worked tirelessly to secure. Lesego Mogoai, a final-year Motion Picture Film student at AFDA, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme, eager to enhance her skills and foster collaboration. Khethiwe Mlambo, a final-year Strategic Communications student at the University of Johannesburg, echoed the excitement, eager to connect with the influential women in the room while leveraging all that Phakama offers.",
  "summary": "The Phakama Women’s Academy, the flagship Environmental, Social and Governance initiative of VWV Group, has officially welcomed its Class of 2026, marking the 12th intake of 22 young women being prepared for the working world.",
  "key_points": [
    "Phakama Women’s Academy launches 12th intake of 22 young women.",
    "South Africa’s youth unemployment rates exceed 60% for ages 15-24.",
    "Academy focuses on soft skills beyond traditional qualifications."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}