Learners from Mpumalanga and the Free State are gaining future-ready skills through Telkom Foundation’s Robotics and Coding Programme, marking a major step in closing South Africa’s digital divide.
Empowering Youth with Future-Ready Skills
Telkom, via the Telkom Foundation, is making significant progress in equipping disadvantaged youth with critical digital skills through its ICT Learnership and Robotics and Coding programmes.
“We believe that technology is a great equaliser. This is all about giving every South African child a fighting chance to compete, create, and contribute to a better future,” says Judy Vilakazi, Head of the Telkom Foundation.
1,077 Graduates Ready for the Digital Economy
On 11 April 2025, the Telkom Foundation celebrated the graduation of 362 youths from its ICT Learnership Programme, bringing the total certified learners to 1,077. These participants, from underserved communities, now possess in-demand tech skills and hands-on experience, positioning them for success in the digital workforce.
The MICT SETA-accredited programme offers specialisations in:
- Technical Support
- Systems Development
- Business Analysis
Each learner undergoes four months of training, followed by work placements for real-world experience.
Beyond Tech: Holistic Career Readiness
Telkom enhances the programme with value-added modules, including:
- Entrepreneurship Development
- Financial Literacy
- Design Thinking
- 4IR Awareness
- Personal Branding & Work Readiness
This ensures graduates are well-rounded, competitive, and workforce-ready.
Robotics & Coding for Rural Learners
Earlier this month, the Telkom Foundation wrapped up its three-year Robotics and Coding Programme, impacting 300 learners annually from rural and disadvantaged communities.
Participating schools included:
- Qhubulwazi & Methula High (Mpumalanga)
- Tiisetsang & Kgolathuto High (Free State)
The programme, certified by IBM and IC3, equips learners with essential coding and robotics skills for future careers.
Inspiring Success Stories
“What a touching experience this was watching learners being exposed to the world of technology, a world they otherwise would never have seen. The programme helped them improve academically as well,” Vilakazi shares.
“It has been humbling to watch these students grow, not just academically but personally too,” says Mangaliso Mokoape, Founder of Afrika Kids Code. “They enter the programme shy and uncertain, but they leave confident, curious, and innovative.”
“Technology skills will be the key to success in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” says Mpho Majola, a learner from Tiisetsang High School. “I now have a head start in life. The sky is the limit!”
Telkom’s initiatives are transforming lives, bridging the digital gap, and preparing South Africa’s youth for a tech-driven future. With accredited training, hands-on experience, and holistic development, these programmes are a blueprint for digital inclusion.
