Many young South Africans are still looking for that first steady job in retail. The TFG YES Youth Opportunity is now open, and you have a limited window to apply for a 12‑month contract that could kick‑start your career.
What the programme is
TFG is offering six entry‑level, fixed‑term positions that run from April 2026 to March 2027. Each role is a full‑time, 12‑month contract in a retail store. The locations are Limpopo, Free State, Western Cape, North West, KwaZulu‑Natal and an @home store at Mall of Africa, Gauteng.
Who can apply
- South African citizen, aged 18‑28
- Available for a full‑time 12‑month contract
- Not studying full‑time during the employment period
- Never participated in or registered for the YES programme before
- No permanent employment with the same employer for more than one continuous year
- Can cover your own transport and, if needed, accommodation
- Matric is preferable (not mandatory)
What you will gain
The role gives you a foothold in a professional retail environment. You will develop:
- Workplace procedures and safety habits
- Customer‑service and communication skills
- Time‑keeping and attendance management
- Teamwork and the ability to follow supervisors’ instructions
- Adaptability in a fast‑moving store
- A solid record of work experience for future applications
Note that the placement does not guarantee a permanent job after the contract ends.
How to apply
- Choose the route that matches the province where you can reliably work (or the @home Mall of Africa listing for Gauteng).
- Create or log in to a candidate profile on the TFG recruitment portal.
- Fill in all personal details accurately.
- Enter your education information – include your Matric certificate if you have one.
- Provide a complete work history with exact start‑ and end‑dates and state whether each role was temporary or permanent.
- Confirm you have never been part of the YES programme.
- Upload an up‑to‑date CV (keep it short and easy to read).
- Enter a working phone number and a current email address.
- Provide the name and contact details of a referee.
- Confirm your ability to travel to the chosen location and cover accommodation costs.
- Review everything, then submit.
- Save the confirmation email or screen‑shot as proof of submission.
Apply here: TFG YES Youth Opportunity application
Tips to improve your chances
- Pay close attention to the “no more than one year with a single permanent employer” rule. List short‑term or casual jobs with exact dates – they do not disqualify you.
- If you have little work experience, include school projects, volunteer work, or any customer‑service exposure.
- Make sure your CV is clear, concise and free of spelling errors.
- Double‑check that your transport plan is realistic; TFG will not reimburse travel or relocation costs.
- Be honest about your study status. Part‑time studies are allowed as long as they do not clash with working hours.
- Remember that TFG may give preference to candidates from designated groups under the Employment Equity Act, but meeting the basic criteria does not guarantee selection.
Next steps
The TFG YES Youth Opportunity is a valuable way to gain your first sustained retail experience. If you meet the age, study and employment‑history requirements, pick the correct provincial route, gather the documents listed above, and submit your application before the listings close.