EAST LONDON- In a bold push to tackle youth unemployment and close the digital divide, the MTN Digital Skills for Digital Jobs Programme, in partnership with the Entrepreneurship and Business Literacy (EBL) Institute is transforming young lives in East London and beyond. Launched on 3rd September 2025 at the Cortex Hub the initiative is equipping aspiring tech professionals with the tools they need not just to find jobs but to create them.
The programme offers two specialised training streams; Data Analytics and Systems Development and Support both accredited at NQF Level 5 by the MICT SETA.
Graduates walk away with a certificate of competence, a statement of results and a portfolio of evidence critical assets for entering or advancing within the digital economy. Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds, from recent matriculants to university and master’s graduates, all aged between 18 and 35. Some are unemployed and seeking new opportunities, others are aiming to pivot into tech careers while a number are aspiring entrepreneurs sharpening their digital skills.
The programme spans six months and is currently being implemented across five provinces. Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.
Furthermore, its focus is on cultivating future-ready skills aligned with the demands of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR).
According to Training Manager at the EBL Institute Lesala Khetheng, the goal is not only to improve individual career prospects but also to close the innovation gap between South Africa and the rest of the world. “Many young people are sitting at home without jobs, yet there are digital skills and opportunities available for them to learn and build careers. Through this programme, we want to ensure they can take up space in the digital economy,” said Khetheng.
One of the programme’s current participants, Zikhona Poswa (28), graduated from the University of Fort Hare in 2019 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems. She is now enrolled in the Systems Development stream. “The programme began in May 2025 and we’re now in the practical phase at Cortex Hub, working with Python and building databases using SQL,” said Poswa.
She further emphasised, “I’ve always been curious about how systems work and how technology can be used to improve people’s lives. This programme gives me hands-on experience, sharpens my technical skills and positions me for a meaningful career in tech. Being part of a programme supported by a company like MTN keeps me motivated to grow and contribute to the digital transformation of our communities.”
In addition another participant Emmanuel Ndlela (26), a student at the University of Fort Hare focusing on Data Analytics, said he joined the programme to stay ahead of technological trends and gain practical exposure to industry tools.
“I first heard about EBL through our school bulletin in March and by April I had already started. The entry requirements weren’t too strict and I was eager to teach myself new skills. Looking back, I can say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made for my growth and future,” said Ndlela.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the MTN Digital Skills for Digital Jobs Programme is laying the foundation for a generation of skilled, confident and empowered young South Africans ready not just to participate in the tech economy, but to lead it.
Photographs: Sandiswa Mgobo
