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  • KSD with SACGRA
    Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, CEO at SACGRA had an opportunity to present the DDM Catalyst Award to Mr. Setlogane Manchidi, Head CSI at Investec for his enoulrmous contribution to empowerment of South African youth through effective corporate social investment. March 31, 2025 at Investec in Sandton.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Youth Employment Award presented by Ms. Sebenzile Zulu, SACGRA placement supervisor to Olive Rural Youth Skills Development .TETA intern Ms. Phumzile Ngcobo, Ms.Lindiswa Duman Project Manager, and Mr Walter Pitso Admin Officer awarded for skills transfer to 1 of 60 TETA funded learners. March 27, 2025 at Jet Park.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    The Youth Employment Award was presented by Ms. Sebenzile Zulu, SACGRA Placement Supervisor, to Tshwane District Hospital. TETA intern, Katlego Sarah Matlou, and Ms. Sophie Saudi, HR Manager, were recognized for their contributions to one of 60 TETA-funded learners. The award ceremony took place on March 26, 2025, in Tshwane.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    The Youth Employment Award was presented by Ms. Sebenzile Zulu, SACGRA Placement Supervisor, to Mthombeni & Ramaboea Attorneys. TETA intern Ms. Palesa Boishielo and Mr. Kalvin Malavi, RAF Attorney, were recognized for their skills transfer to one of 60 TETA-funded learners. The ceremony took place on March 26, 2025, in Menlo Park.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Mr. Maqubela presented the Youth Employment Award to the elated officials of the Department of Education in Engcobo on March 25, 2025.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Interns and officials from the Department of Education and Correctional Services in Engcobo join forces to celebrate the TETA funded Work Integrated Learning program on March 25, 2025 in the Eastern Cape.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Mr. Albert Dlamini, Placement & Operations Officer - SACGRA presented the Youth Employment Award to the official and interns of the Department of Correctional Services in Engcobo on March 25, 2025.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Youth Employment Awards presented by Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela to the Department of Correctional Services and Department of Education in Engcobo, Eastern Cape province. March 25, 2025.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Host Employer and Internship Site Visit for the TETA funded Work Integrated Learning program at the DR. AB Xuma Local Municipality in Engcobo. Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, Founder & CEO SACGRA presented the Youth Employment Award to Mr. Ayanda Gqolontsi for hosting 12 of the 60 TETA interns on March 25, 2025 in Engcobo.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Youth Employment Award presented by Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, Founder & CEO SACGRA to Nyandeni Local Municipality's Mrs Thebakazi Tshisa- Ndamase, Senior Manager Corporate Services. Awarded for skills transfer to 8 of 60 TETA funded learners. March 25, 2025 in Libode.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Youth Employment Award presented by Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, CEO SACGRA to All Saints Hospital CEO, Dr. Sithembele Magqadiyane for hosting 6 of the 60 TETA funded interns. March 25, 2025 in Engcobo.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Host Employer & Internship Review, SACGRA CEO Mr. Maqubela presented the Youth Employment Award to Ms. Anela Giwu, Acting Manager at Kei Fresh Produce Market, Mthatha. The TETA-funded Work Integrated Learning program supports 60 TVET learners, including intern Ms. Asive Nobala and Placement Officer Mr. Albert Dlamini.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    SACGRA Site Visit – FASSET Funded Learners, SACGRA visited FASSET-funded learners at the Department of Home Affairs, Engcobo, Eastern Cape. Learners began in Oct-Nov 2024 and Jan 2025. The host employer values their support in service delivery, while the seven learners appreciate the opportunity. This SACGRA-managed program creates a win-win solution for South Africa.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Host Employer & Internship Visit, On March 24, 2025, at Home Affairs in Engcobo, SACGRA CEO and delegates, hosted by Acting Branch Manager Ms. Yoliswa Gayiseki, visited the TETA-funded program for 60 TVET learners. Three learners praised the experience and stipend, requesting a six-month extension.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    It is a delight for Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela to present the provisions of the Certificate of Intent to Establish the Ghana Council for Graduates at the SACGRA offices in Sandton to Mr. Rufai Nuhu and Ms. Aisha Daraja on March 14, 2025.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    March 12, 2025 at the SACGRA offices in Sandton, Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela, Founder & CEO receiving the Ghana Muslim Youth - Mr. Rufai Nuhu Prpgram Ambassador, Ms Aisha Daraja, HR Partner and TETA - Ms Maphefo Anno Frempong, CEO.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Provincial Investment & Impact. Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela met with Mr. Mandla Ndlovu, Premier of Mpumalanga Privincial government and Ms. Margaret Skhosana, Director General in the Province to discuss placement of 200 learners/graduates a year in the Mpumalanga province in partnership with the SACGRA. The SACGRA committed to invest R6 million towards graduate empowerment in 2025. March 7, 2025 in Witbank.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Placement of engineering graduates in Mpumalanga. Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela attended the 2 day Eskom Business Connect ceremony in Middelburg on March 5-6, 2025. Next to him is Ms Palesa Mocoancoeng, Mrs Ntsoaki Radebe and Ms Mologadi Matshele from Eskom Development Foundation.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Partnership meeting at the Durban University of Technology to place students and graduates into internships, WIL and candidacy programs. Ms Shireen Singh Manager Co-operative Education Manager, Dr Themba Msukwini, Director Co-operative Education (joining virtually) and Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela, Founder & CEO at SACGRA. Feb 14, 2025 in Durban.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    South African Embassy in Washington DC, USA. Meeting with the South African Council for Graduates (SACGRA) to negotiate best practices to raise funds and place SA students/graduates as interns in the USA. Left to right, back row: Mr Oarabile Motlhaga, Second Secretary - Socio Economic; Mr Gerbrand Haasbroek, Counsellor Socio-Economic; Mr Siyanda Mbanzi, First Secretary - Civic & Immigration. First row, left to right: Ms Sharon Ramudzuli, First Secretary - Socio Economic; Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela, Founder & CEO SACGRA; Ms Busisiwe Nsutsha, Chairperson SACGRA & Mr Ismail Esau, Deputy Chief of Mission on Jan 31, 2025.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Meeting between InterExchange and SACGRA to recruit 4 000 SA students and graduates to do internships and Au Pair work in the USA. Left to right: Ms Bing (Economic Attache), SA Consulate General Office New York; Mr James (Vice President), InterExchange; Ms Busisiwe (Chairperson), SACGRA; Ms Christine (President & CEO), InterExchange; Mr Thamsanqa (Founder & CEO), SACGRA; Mr Mzwanele (Political Attache), SA Consulate General Office New York.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Meeting the SA Consular General in New York, USA to establish relations to place 40 000 graduates a year in SA, USA and other countries to build a prosperous South Africa.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    SACGRA meets South Africa's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Ms Mathu Joyini in New York. Jan 27, 2025.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    DDM Catalyst Award for partnership to Intergovernmental Relations awarded to the Nelson Mandela University. Received by Prof Azwindini Muronga.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    On May 27, 2024, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Rev. Jan Hofmeyer. Pictured from left to right: Mbalenhle Mahlangu (Business Development Supervisor, SACGRA), Rev. Jan Hofmeyer (Founder, Study Trust), and Fabian Moeng (COO, SACGRA).
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Thrilled to celebrate Melissa’s success after being absorbed at Afrisam following her internship funded by BANKSETA. This milestone was celebrated on August 15, 2024, at the Office of the Premier, Northern Cape Provincial Government.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Youth Employment Award: Presented to Morobi Chartered Accountants as a prestigious host employer for FASSET-funded interns. Mr. Robert Madubanya, CEO, proudly accepts the award from Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, Founder & CEO of SACGRA, in recognition of their commitment to empowering youth employment
  • KSD with SACGRA
    On September 11, 2024, King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality, in partnership with the South African Council for Graduates (SACGRA), made a significant stride toward a brighter future at the Youth Employment Launch.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    SACGRA's 2024 Year-End Function: Celebrating the dedicated staff on December 18, 2024, in Woodmead. A memorable gathering to mark the year's achievements and embrace the future. Wishing everyone a blessed and prosperous 2025!
  • KSD with SACGRA
    UNISA WIL Workshop, October 24, 2024, in Johannesburg City.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Ms. Ovi Mutaki, a former merSETA-funded SACGRA intern now employed at the CSIR, reconnects with Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, Founder & CEO of SACGRA, at the CSIR Conference Centre on May 7, 2024."
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Host Employer Recognition and Site Visit: Revival FM in Kimberley. Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela presents an award to Station Manager Mr. Olebogeng Molale for hosting a BANKSETA-funded internship. April 18, 2024.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Internship Site Visit and Review: Kimberley Correctional Service. Ms. Kros, Supervisor; Ms. Gosego Lecholo, LGSETA-funded intern; Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, CEO of SACGRA; and Mr. Moroenyane, Head of Department - HR. April 17, 2024.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    FASSET GP Stakeholder Roadshow, April 10, 2024. Ms. Ayanda Mafuleka, CEO of FASSET, with Ms. Mbalenhle Mahlangu, SACGRA Business Development Supervisor.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    sss SACGRA Founder & CEO, Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela and Principal of Umfolozi TVET College, Mr Sam Zungu with TETA funded interns in 2013 at the Umfolozi TVET college in Richards Bay.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    sss Africa Business Forum in Addis Ababa, February 19, 2024. Nkanyiso Maqubela, Prof. Mutwira, Zimbabwe Minister of Higher & Tertiary Education, and Thamsanqa Maqubela, President of the African Council for Graduates.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    SETA Family: INSETA CEO, flanked by the CEOs of other SETAs, at the high-impact launch of the Rural Impact and Career Centre in Moruleng, North West, on April 14, 2024, at the Mphe Batho Cultural Precinct.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    BANKSETA-funded internship site visit and review: Tsoseletso Healthcare Clinic in Galeshewe. Ms. Rebaone Merementsi, an intern who transitioned from Revival FM to a new host employer. April 18, 2024, Northern Cape."
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela is delighted to present the Skills Development Catalyst Award – Lifetime Impact Category to Professor Bonginkosi Nzimande, Minister of DHET, at the SETA Skills Summit on April 23, 2024, at the Birchwood Hotel.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela. SACGRA CEO Joined by Mr Sam Zungu, DDG, TVET College at DHET. April 24, 2024.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Mrs. Sesi Nxesi, CEO of ETDPSETA, receives a token of appreciation from SACGRA. Mr. Bongani Sekantse, a youth entrepreneur on the SACGRA Supplier Development Program. April 24, 2024.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela is delighted to present the Tanzania Business Catalyst Award to Mr. Deogratius Kilawe, Executive Director & CEO of ROUNDTABLE, joined by Dr. Kitila Mkumbo. April 25, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    SACGRA & CBE meeting to streamline partnership for mentorship, candidacy, entrepreneurship, and research in the Built Environment. Left to right: Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, CEO of SACGRA; Dr. Paul Wambua, CEO of DUIS; and Dr. Msizi Myeza, CEO of CBE. April 30, 2024.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Dr. Innocent Sirovha, CEO of AgriSETA, receives a gift bag made by unemployed graduates through SACGRA cooperatives. May 7, 2024.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    SETA Chairpersons and CEOs attending the Skills for Rural Impact launch, funded by INSETA, AgriSETA, WRSETA, and CETA. May 14, 2024, in Moruleng.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Meeting with SASSETA CEO, Mr. Thamsanqa Mdontswa, who receives a 2020 Internship Project Award from SACGRA. May 15, 2024, in Midrand.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Partnership Meeting for Wholesale and Retail Skills Advancement in South Africa: Mr. Tom Mkhwanazi, CEO of Wholesale & Retail SETA, flanked by SACGRA staff members and interns in Sandton on May 16, 2024.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Skills Development Partnership: Ms. Nokuthula Selamolela, CEO of FOODBEV, flanked by the CEO of SACGRA and a SACGRA intern, discussing the placement of 40,000 interns. May 21, 2024, at the SACGRA offices in Sandton.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Boland College and SACGRA partnership meeting in Stellenbosch on February 7, 2024, focusing on lecturer development, green hydrogen, entrepreneurship, and solar assembly. It was a pleasure meeting the Principal, Mr. Goodwin, and Deputy Principal, Ms. Nomalizo.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    SETU-Ireland delegation meets with the SACGRA-South Africa team to discuss and establish a partnership aimed at growing youth employment in South Africa. December 19, 2023, South East Ireland
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, Founder & CEO of SACGRA, addressing the LGSETA AGM on November 29, 2024, at Emperors Palace, sharing insights and strategies for driving growth and development in the sector.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    The Clean Audit Titans Award, including a main award with a cash prize of R100,000, was presented to Okhahlamba Local Municipality. It was received by Mr. Vikizitha Mlotshwa, Executive Mayor.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    The Clean Audit Titans Award is presented to Frances Baard District Municipality, accepted by Executive Mayor Ms. Unondumiso Buda, second from the left.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    A Skills Development Panel Discussion featuring Mrs. Nombulelo Nxesi, CEO of ETDPSETA, Mr. Tom Mkhwanazi, CEO of W&RSETA, and Mrs. Maphefo Anno-Frempong, representative of TETA, took place at the DDM Conference from November 13-15, 2024.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Youth Employment Award Bestowed upon Net Nine Nine for providing skills transfer to FASSET funded learners. November 22, 2024 on Krammervile.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    A host employer site visit for the FASSET-funded WIL and Internship program took place at Net Nine Nine in Krammervile on November 22, 2024. The host employer was recognized for its outstanding contribution to skills development and for providing stipend top-ups to learners. Six of the eight hosted interns joined the SACGRA management team to provide feedback on the progress of the internship program.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    On November 22, 2024, in Krammervile, we celebrate skills development champions. The Youth Employment Award is presented to Net Nine Nine by SACGRA CEO, Mr. Maqubela, and COO, Mr. Moeng, to the Net Nine Nine team, represented by Mr. Richard, Ms. Rabia, Ms. Amanda, Ms. Zintle, and other officials.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Host employer site visit at Morobi Chartered Accountants for the FASSET-funded program. The company received the Youth Employment Award for hosting 12 graduates, providing them with skills transfer and work experience. Woodmead, November 22, 2024.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    A strategic partnership meeting between SACGRA and Net Nine Nine took place at Melrose Arch on November 28, 2024. Pictured left to right: Devon, Laquel, Rabia, and Thamsanqa. The collaboration aims to place 5,000 graduates and learners annually across South Africa.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    At the INSETA AGM on November 29, 2024, from left to right: Mr. Zamo Khuzwayo; SACGRA Intern Ms. Hlubi Eland; Ms. Gugu Mkhize, CEO of INSETA; SACGRA Intern Ms. Tholakele Makena; Mr. Sam Zungu, Deputy Director-General of TVET at the DHET; Dr. Innocent Sirovha, CEO of AGRISETA.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Proud moment: Ms. Hlubi Eland (SACGRA Intern), Mr. Ineeleng Molete (CEO, LGSETA), Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela (CEO, SACGRA), and Mr. Phumlani Mntambo (Chair, LGSETA) received the Youth Employment Award for funding 444 graduates on November 29, 2024, at Emperors Palace.
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Educators from Khumbulani High School attended the DDM Conference in Gqeberha for school fundraising..
  • KSD with SACGRA
    Mr. Devan Pillay, CEO of Schneider Electric, receives the Youth Employment Award from Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, SACGRA Founder & CEO, on May 27, 2024, at Midrand.
  • The Schneider Electric team, along with CEO Mr. Devan Pillay, proudly received the Youth Employment Award from Mr. Thamsanqa Maqubela, SACGRA Founder & CEO, on May 27, 2024, in Midrand.
  • A light moment with the Statistician General, Mr Maluleke, Ms Mmabo Raphotle and Mr Malusi Shezi, CETA CEO April 24, 2024.
  • Gift to Minister, DHET Prof. Bonginkosi Nzimande by SACGRA's young entrepreneur, Mr Bongani Sekantse on April 23, 2024.
  • Africa Business Forum on February 19, 2024.
  • Community Development Excellence Award presented to SACGRA on December 9, 2024, in Kyalami. The award was received by Deputy Chairperson Mr. Mark Cunningham and Ms. Busisiwe Nsutsha, in recognition of SACGRA’s outstanding contributions to community development.
  • PSIRA and SACGRA Partnership Meeting. A productive collaboration on December 12, 2024, focused on strengthening industry partnerships and driving mutual goals forward for the future.
  • Ms. Nonhlanhla Buthelezi Handing over the youth employment award to EWSETA AGM in Hyde Park. Dec 1, 2023.
  • Ms. Babalwa Jonas at the middle Successfully handed over the Skills funding certificate alongside the CEO and board chairperson on November 24, 2023.
  • Over 300 graduates are benefiting from the BANKSETA funded internship Nov 10, 2023.
  • SACGRA at Earstern Cape, Mthatha
    SACGRA host employer and internship site visit in the Eastern Cape, Mthatha for the BANKSETA funded program on the Aug 23, 2023.
  • MICTSETA with SACGRA
    SACGRA MICTSETA candidacy induction May 19, 2023.
  • BANKSETA and SACGRA
    Bankseta host employer award at Department of Basic Education, Engcobo District office. Aug 10, 2023.


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SACGRA

South African Council for Graduates

SACGRA is a graduate’s council established in terms of the Co-operative Amendment Act, No 6 of 2013 to grow a high calibre of youth and the advancement of graduate cooperatives as viable economic entities to fast track job creation, foreign direct investment and skills transfer to grow the economy in municipalities and rural areas.

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CEO

Message from the Founder



“The South African Council for Graduates Cooperative (SACGRA) strives to develop competent graduates that can become successful entrepreneurs or competitive employees. Through this we aim to contribute towards making South Africa a winning nation.

We empower students and graduates to have a productive work ethic and be globally competitive through partnership with industry leaders.

Moreover, we professionalise cooperatives, SMMEs and entrepreneurs through capacity building, internship support, entrepreneurial assessments and business toolbox incubation. The organisation puts an emphasis on coops gaining access to the market through enterprise and supplier development programs. It is our goal to grow viable, profitable and sustainable coops, SMMEs and entrepreneurs.

All university and college final year students are invited to register in the SACGRA database to secure their first internship or employment. It is my delight to invite private and public sector entities to partner with the SACGRA to grow high calibre graduates.

Thamsanqa Maqubela

Founder & CEO

technology-innovation

GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT & INNOVATION

Over 300 0000 graduates are unemployed, close to 200 000 college & univeristy student seek workplace training as requirement for graduation in South Africa.



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our-operations

INTERNSHIP/ WORK INTERGRATED LEARNING /LEARNERSHIP PILLARS

We give graduates the oppotunity to be placed with our eminent host employers and excel not only in the workplace, but also provide them with exit oppotunities towards running their own businesses/Cooperatives.


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social-resposibility

POWER OF CO-OPERATIVES

The SACGRA gives graduates and entreprenuers/ cooperatives business oppotunities through our comprehensive one stop shop for business operations in a software form called the BUSINESS TOOLBOX.



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Campus innovation & Entrepreneurship

Internships Placement 2021
76%
Training Events 2021
84%
Public Sector (Partnerships in 2021)
64%
Private Sector (Partnerships in 2021)
74%

9

Offices Nation wide

217

SACGRA WorkForce

6935

Interns 2021

6

Accolades

The SACGRA has since 2015 hosted the Prestigious Youth Employment Awards to recognize business and government entities that promote youth employment. In 2017, it added Co-operatives and Entrepreneurship as part of the awards to recognize contribution towards growth in industrialization, manufacturing and innovation excellence.

Field Training

Expose learners, students and graduates to scarce and critical skills, professions and business in partnership with industry partners locally and abroad. Join our industry training partners to equip SA’s youth and graduates with workplace skills and competencies.

Field Training

Publications

5 MB Field Training

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