South Africa faces a significant challenge of high youth unemployment coupled with a digital skills gap. The disconnect between the skills graduates possess and the demands of the modern job market necessitates innovative training programmes to bridge the divide.
Recent statistics paint a stark picture. The nation’s unemployment rate climbed to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025, with young people aged 15-34 disproportionately affected. According to Stats SA, experienced a notable increase in unemployment figures.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights similar concerns, revealing that over 60% of African companies identify skills shortages as a major obstacle to business transformation. Upskilling the workforce is crucial to prepare individuals for the evolving job landscape.
While these statistics are concerning, they also highlight a critical opportunity: equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly digitizing economy.
As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, it is imperative to shift the focus towards empowering young people with the skills they need to secure employment and actively participate in the digital economy.
One initiative addressing this need is the TCS Makers Club, which has expanded its successful skills development programme to KwaZulu-Natal, building on its established presence in Gauteng. The TCS Makers Club aims to cultivate a pipeline of skilled tech professionals capable of navigating the complexities of the fourth industrial revolution.
The current cohort in Durban comprises 26 graduates participating in a 12-month programme, with a focus on attracting talented students from diverse and underrepresented communities across South Africa. The group includes students with disabilities, a significant percentage of female students, and individuals from marginalised backgrounds.
Skills development for the future
As the world of work changes due to improving technologies, skills such as IoT development, robotics, and the use of AI have become critical in preparing employees for the jobs of the future. The country’s industrial robotics market is currently experiencing significant growth, with the sector projected to reach R17 million by 2030. This growth is set to be driven by demand for automation in different industries.
With the TCS Makers Club, the programme emphasises practical application, encouraging participants to develop real-world solutions to everyday challenges. It fosters a community of problem-solvers and creative thinkers ready to drive innovation.
In partnership with Oceans Ahead Holdings, this programme aligns with the country’s B-BBEE skills development goals and is equivalent to an NQF level 4 qualification.
“Throughout the 12-month period, participants are expected to achieve a high level of proficiency in key digital skills areas, measured through standardised assessments,” says Langa Dube, Regional Director at TCS South Africa & Rest of Africa. “The programme has already demonstrated promising results. Students are quickly emerging as leaders in the tech community.”
Notably, the Durban cohort was selected as one of two teams to represent South Africa in the regional finals of the Huawei ICT AI Track Competition, where their innovative magneto ferrite filtration system attracted significant attention.
They also secured over R224 000 in intellectual property funding from the Moses Kotane Institute, which will be used to copyright their magneto ferrite filtration system prototype. At the same time, three of the learners who are part of the cohort were part of the TCS Sustainathon top 10 achievers, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and innovation.
A personal journey: Sophia Sithe’s story
Among the many inspiring participants is Sophia Sithe, a 21-year-old originally from Alexandra township and raised in Rustenburg. Sithe is a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student at Regent Business School and embodies the transformative potential of the TCS Makers Club.
“I first learned about the TCS Makers Club during a social issues class, where our lecturer presented an exciting opportunity to explore Internet of Things (IoT) technology and coding,” she says. “The prospect of gaining hands-on experience in emerging technologies immediately captured my interest, and I decided to embrace this chance for personal and professional growth without hesitation.”
Through her participation, Sophia has acquired invaluable technical competencies, particularly in programming and software development. Beyond the technical aspects, she has significantly enhanced her collaborative abilities, learning to work effectively within diverse teams.
“The skills I have gained through this programme have already translated into tangible entrepreneurial success,” she explains.
Together with her colleagues, she established a company called Tinkers Club, which visits educational institutions to introduce students to IoT concepts and coding fundamentals.
“This venture demonstrates how the programme has equipped me with both the technical expertise and business acumen necessary for real-world application and social impact.”
Jadean Wright: championing innovation and inclusion
Another standout participant is Jadean Wright a 23-year-old from Wentworth, Durban. Wright’s academic journey began in electrical light current, completing her NQF 4 in basic electronics. Currently, she is completing her diploma in HR and her NQF 4 in IoT.
An innovator, feminist, and activist, Wright’s journey reflects the empowerment fostered by the TCS Makers Club. Within the club, she has gained a wide variety of skills including soft skills and project management skills.
“These skills are not just theoretical. I am equipped with the necessary skills to now navigate the space and start up my own business, as well as broaden possible employment opportunities.”
Support is a cornerstone of the club’s success, with the students receiving mentorship from the facilitators while gaining support from fellow makers.
After a few months as part of the programme, Wright is already giving back to the community.
“With a partner of mine, we’ve founded a project called The BroCode, where we assist previously incarcerated men by providing rehabilitation and upskilling them with tech skills,” she says.
The TCS Makers Club stands as a beacon of hope and innovation for South Africa’s youth, providing not just technical training but a holistic platform for personal growth, entrepreneurship, and community upliftment. As more young people like Sophia Sithe and Jadean Wright take up the mantle of change, the future of South Africa’s digital economy looks brighter than ever.
