MTN SA Foundation Invests in Youth With ICT Learnership Programme

As youth unemployment and digital skills shortages continue to dominate the national conversation, the MTN SA Foundation has launched a 12-month ICT Learnership Programme with Helios Towers and Datacomb Development Hub.

Designed to move young South Africans from digital training into real workplace experience. The program builds on the Foundation’s Digital Skills for Digital Jobs (DS4DJ) program by creating a seamless transition from foundational digital skills into specialized, employment‑focused ICT roles.

Since 2023, DS4DJ has equipped more than 3,746 young people with critical digital capabilities, enabling them to access meaningful opportunities in a rapidly evolving labor market.

These include Software Development, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Network and Systems Administration.

These focus areas reflect the skills required for South Africa to compete in global digital markets, accelerate digital transformation, and build a modern, resilient economy. They also support the government’s wider objectives of expanding future‑focused industries and strengthening pathways that move young people from learning into earning.

Arthur Mukhuvha, MTN SA’s General Manager of the MTN Foundation, said, “The Foundation exists to create real, lasting impact. This learnership is a testament to what can be achieved when committed partners work together with purpose. South Africa needs pathways that translate potential into opportunity, and we are proud to help young people step confidently into the digital future. Our commitment is to ensure that every program we deliver contributes to national development, strengthens communities and supports a more inclusive, skilled and competitive South Africa.”

Through the collaboration, the Foundation is ensuring that youth receive both the academic grounding and practical workplace exposure needed to succeed in the ICT sector. This approach contributes directly to government priorities around inclusive growth, digital innovation, and community upliftment, demonstrating how business and civil society can build capacity where South Africa needs it most.

Through comprehensive skills development, industry exposure, and a focus on emerging technologies, the Foundation continues to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s development priorities.