Over 1,500 young people in Cape Town have gained employment, confidence, and economic independence—thanks to a simple but powerful tool: a driver’s licence.
Through the Reach for Rainbows initiative, founded by Bazil Van der Merwe, disadvantaged youth are being trained and licensed to drive, propelling them into roles in law enforcement, the transport sector, and South Africa’s fast-growing delivery economy. Remarkably, 95% of those who’ve completed the programme have gone on to secure stable employment.
“This is about access,” says Van der Merwe. “It’s about giving young people real, tangible skills that lead to income, mobility and confidence. You can see their eyes light up when they realise this is something they can actually achieve.”
With youth unemployment rising to 46.1% in early 2025, and nearly 49,000 young people jobless in the Western Cape alone, this programme offers a critical solution to a national crisis. For many in under-resourced communities, a driving licence is more than a credential—it’s a lifeline.
Reach for Rainbows, supported by Bazil’s Traffic School, provides free learner’s licence classes, covers transport and testing fees, and delivers driving lessons at no cost. The initiative also supports motorbike licences, helping new drivers plug into the booming app-based delivery market through partnerships with platforms such as Checkers Sixty60 and Uber Eats.
This year, the programme is preparing to train 35 young people for their Code 08 driver’s licences and assist 50 more in obtaining motorbike licences (Code 01). A partnership with Volternative ensures job placement opportunities follow shortly after qualification.
One of the key backers of the initiative is fibre network operator Vuma, which has extended its community involvement beyond connectivity by supporting Reach for Rainbows. Their engagement is especially significant in areas like Mitchell’s Plain, where youth unemployment is high, and where Vuma Reach, their prepaid fibre service, was first introduced.
“Our role is to support the people and organisations already doing the hard work,” says Taylor Kwong, Head of Marketing at Vuma. “Access to a driver’s licence can significantly enhance a young person’s employability, particularly in the fast-growing e-commerce and delivery sectors. It’s a critical step in breaking down barriers and enabling youth to take control of their futures.”
Kwong adds that Vuma’s focus is on creating lasting change by investing in youth-focused programmes that extend far beyond internet access. “We are continuously seeking meaningful ways to uplift, equip, and inspire young people to transform their lives.”
For Van der Merwe, the work is deeply personal: “Getting my driver’s licence changed everything for me. It was the first real step I took towards building a life I could be proud of, and that’s what I want to give back.”
Editor’s Note: With youth unemployment in South Africa exceeding 46%, accessible programmes like Reach for Rainbows show what’s possible when communities invest in practical, job-ready skills. This story highlights how a driver’s licence can be the bridge between poverty and self-reliance—an example of local action making a national impact.
Description: A Cape Town initiative is transforming lives by helping unemployed youth obtain driver’s licences, opening doors to careers in law enforcement, delivery services, and beyond. With over 1,500 young people already empowered, this community-driven project is offering more than mobility—it’s delivering opportunity.
Editor: Thato Mahlangu
Project Manager: Do4SA
