Eighty unemployed youths from across the Western Cape have officially graduated from the MTN Digital Skills for Digital Jobs (DS4DJ) programme, completing six months of intensive training. The cohort, selected from a pool of 623 applicants, successfully navigated a curriculum covering Data Analytics, Systems Development, and Cybersecurity.
Bridging The Technical Skills Gap
The DS4DJ programme is a collaborative initiative between the MTN SA Foundation and the MTN Skills Academy, delivered in the province through the EBL Institute of Business and Technology and the G-CITI Campus. Over the past two years, more than 1,600 young South Africans have finished the training, which is designed to improve employability in an increasingly digital economy.
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.
This statement was provided by Dr Thabo Pitse, CEO of the EBL Institute of Business and Technology, reflecting the focus on bridging the divide between academic theory and workplace requirements. Women accounted for 63% of this graduating group, highlighting a shift toward greater female representation in technical sectors.
Addressing The Youth Unemployment Crisis
With national unemployment statistics for individuals aged 15 to 34 reaching 45.8% in the first quarter of 2026, private sector interventions are becoming essential for job creation. Corporate initiatives like this one aim to equip participants with the specialized expertise necessitated by the modern technology sector.
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.
Nompilo Morafo, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at MTN Group, noted the broader economic importance of these skills during the graduation event. Further cohorts are expected to be announced as industry stakeholders continue to monitor the program’s impact on local job placement rates.