By: Brigitte Da Gama - Group Chief People Officer at The SPAR Group

Every year in June, as we recall how the courageous young people of 1976 helped shape our national future, it is impossible not to acknowledge the challenges facing young South Africans in 2026, including unemployment, unequal access to opportunities, and an underperforming economy.

While acknowledging that widespread social and economic pressures on young people require collaboration between government, business, and civil society, The SPAR Group believes that we should invest in our young people at a community level, where they live, work, and dream about their futures.

Using this as a starting point, it is essential to broaden the definition of community.

We must recognise that businesses operating within communities - drawing their customers from surrounding neighbourhoods and deriving income from local residents - are an essential part of the communities in which they are situated.

As a retailer that has operated in communities across South Africa for more than 60 years, SPAR understands this definition of community deeply. Our business is built on the idea that SPAR stores are more than just places where people buy what they need – they are also local economic hubs, and our store owners fulfil several roles. They are employers, supporters of community initiatives, partners in development, and parties in meeting local challenges by harnessing the incredible potential within South Africa's youth.

It is appropriate that, through our independent retail model, store owners across the country are empowered to identify and support small business owners, future retailers, and leaders.

Our retailer model means that many of our store owners live and work in the communities they serve. They understand local realities and relate to ‘their people’ firsthand. This connection enables meaningful engagement with schools, community organisations, youth programmes and development initiatives that address specific local needs.

Involvement in developing young people also often begins in stores, where SPAR recruits from surrounding communities for entry-level roles. These positions provide a foundation for personal growth in a fast-paced retail environment.

Within the Group, SPAR supports the Yes 4 Youth learnership programme which offers youth aged 18 to 28, and who have completed high school, a 12-month opportunity to work in SPAR stores, offices, warehouses and distribution centres. Since 2019, SPAR has created more than 4 000 job opportunities through the initiative.

SPAR is taking a select delegation of youthful, high-potential employees to the One Young World conference this year, reflecting the organisation's ongoing commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders. Beyond creating opportunities within the retail sector, SPAR is dedicated to exposing young people to a wider world of possibilities, encouraging them to explore diverse career paths, develop global perspectives, and cultivate the leadership skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. By providing access to platforms such as One Young World, SPAR aims to inspire young talent to think beyond traditional career expectations, embrace innovation, and become active contributors to the future of South Africa and the communities they serve.

Beyond employment, entrepreneurship is a critical component of youth empowerment. South Africa’s future growth depends heavily on identifying and nurturing future business owners and innovators. However, many entrepreneurs, particularly those running micro and small businesses in their communities, require support, mentorship, and access to markets to prosper and create local employment opportunities.

A practical example of this commitment is SPAR's Supplier Development Hub, established in 2016 as the Group's flagship social investment initiative. Originally developed to support smallholder farmers in rural communities, the Hub provides structured agricultural and business support, access to formal retail markets, and guidance on sustainable farming practices. The initiative currently supports 12 small-scale farmers and, in 2025 alone, contributed to the creation of 218 jobs at farm level. Through programmes such as these, SPAR demonstrates how targeted community investment can unlock economic opportunities, strengthen local supply chains, and create sustainable livelihoods for young people and aspiring entrepreneurs.

For those with burgeoning entrepreneurial skills, the SPAR Supplier Development Programme is designed to help micro and small food suppliers develop their business and administrative skills so that they can grow their businesses and become reliable vendors to SPAR stores, and scale beyond SPAR stores in the future. Since establishing its flagship Supplier Development Hub in 2016, SPAR has supported the growth and development of small-scale producers and suppliers by providing structured support, market access opportunities, and business development assistance that enable them to participate in formal retail markets.

Education remains equally important. By supporting schools, local educational programmes, and initiatives that help young people access learning opportunities, educational outcomes improve, communities are strengthened, and a more inclusive economy is built.

Importantly, investing in young people is not solely about economic outcomes. It is also about creating environments where they feel valued, supported and connected to their communities.

As we celebrate Youth Month, it is fitting that 50 years after the event that led to its establishment, we are reminded that the future entrepreneurs and leaders who will build and lead our country are already part of existing communities.

Our responsibility is to ensure that they have the opportunities, support and encouragement they need to succeed and take South Africa forward.