Johannesburg, South Africa — In a significant stride towards addressing South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis and enhancing its digital economy, over 150 young South Africans have successfully graduated from the Telkom Foundation’s RT15 ICT Skills Learnership Programme. This certification, which includes practical experience and accredited qualifications, paves the way for employment, entrepreneurship, and further study in the burgeoning digital sector.
The Telkom Foundation, in partnership with Telkom Consumer and supported by the National Treasury’s five-year Supplier Development and Localization initiative, has invested over R85 million in training over 1,100 learners.
The programme is designed to provide NQF Level 4 and 5 qualifications in fields such as Marketing, Telecommunications Networks, Systems Development, and Business Analysis, certified by MICT SETA. South Africa’s youth unemployment rate, as indicated by the Q1 2026 Quarterly Labour Force Survey, stands at 45. 8% for those aged 15 to 34, rising to 60.
9% among those aged 15 to 24.
The Telkom Foundation’s Judy Vilakazi emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable employment pathways for the youth, highlighting the role of structured business training and workplace exposure.
The RT15 programme addresses these challenges by offering not only training and connectivity support but also structured workplace exposure and pathways into economic participation. To date, 22 learners from the latest cohort have secured permanent or temporary employment, while two have pursued further studies and one has launched a business.
The recent certification ceremony is a testament to the resilience of young people and the positive impact of targeted digital skills initiatives. It underscores the Telkom Foundation’s commitment to making digital opportunity accessible and meaningful, as well as Telkom’s role in connecting young people to the skills and opportunities needed for sustainable livelihoods and economic contribution.
As South Africa continues to navigate the complexities of youth unemployment and the digital economy, initiatives like the Telkom Foundation’s RT15 ICT Skills Learnership Programme are crucial in shaping the nation’s workforce.
The recent certification is a promising sign of the potential for such programs to make a lasting impact on the lives of young South Africans and contribute to the country’s economic growth and digital transformation.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: africa
Source: SG Editor
