Eighty unemployed young people from across the Western Cape have successfully completed MTN South Africa’s Digital Skills for Digital Jobs (DS4DJ) programme, earning accredited qualifications in Data Analytics, Systems Development and Cybersecurity. Selected from 623 applicants, the graduates are now better positioned to pursue opportunities in some of South Africa’s fastest-growing technology fields. Women accounted for 63% of the cohort.
Delivered through the MTN SA Foundation and MTN Skills Academy, the six-month programme was implemented in partnership with the EBL Institute of Business and Technology and G-CITI Campus (I-CAN Centre), with support from the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town and other stakeholders committed to youth development and digital inclusion.
The latest graduates form part of MTN’s broader commitment to equipping young South Africans with industry-relevant skills while helping address the growing demand for technology talent across the country.
Digital Skills for Digital Jobs is one of the MTN SA Foundation’s flagship youth development initiatives, combining accredited technical training, work-readiness support and personal development to prepare young people for employment, entrepreneurship and further learning opportunities.
Over the past two years, DS4DJ has equipped more than 1,600 young South Africans with accredited, industry-relevant skills. This includes 900 participants selected from across all nine provinces in 2024 and a further 742 graduates who completed the programme in 2025, strengthening South Africa’s pipeline of future technology talent.
Nompilo Morafo, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at MTN Group, said young people will play a defining role in South Africa’s future success.
“Every young person equipped with relevant skills represents new potential for our economy. By creating access to quality digital training, we are helping young South Africans unlock opportunities for themselves while contributing to the skills South Africa needs to grow and compete.”
Dr. Thabo Pitse, Chief Executive Officer at EBL Institute of Business and Technology, said the programme demonstrates the value of collaboration in preparing young people for the modern workplace.
“Industry-aligned, accredited training remains one of the most effective ways to improve employability. Through partnerships such as DS4DJ, young people gain practical skills, recognised qualifications and greater confidence to pursue meaningful career opportunities.”
As technology continues to reshape industries and create new opportunities, partnerships between business, government and education institutions remain essential to ensuring more young South Africans can access the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the country’s future economy.