A new partnership between government and the private sector is set to equip thousands of South African students with critical digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills aimed at improving their chances of securing future employment.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the Department of Higher Education and Training and Google South Africa, will expand access to training programmes across universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and Community Education and Training (CET) institutions.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, said the initiative is designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving job market shaped by digital transformation.
“Digital and AI skills are vital for navigating the modern world and securing future employment opportunities. It is essential that our students, especially those in remote and township areas, are prepared for the job market once they leave our sector and possess the right skills for employability, including self-employment and entrepreneurship,” Gondwe said.
The agreement, signed in Johannesburg on Monday, 30 March, alongside Google South Africa Country Director Kabelo Makwane, marks the fourth public-private partnership spearheaded by Gondwe’s office to strengthen youth skills development.
Expanding access to digital training
The Google MoU seeks to enhance digital skills, incorporate AI in higher education, and promote workforce development in South Africa. It will offer access to training programmes for public universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, including an initial 10 000 Google Career Certificate scholarships.
In addition to student training, the partnership will prioritise upskilling educators through initiatives such as Generative AI for Educators and a “train-the-trainer” model to promote wider skills sharing across institutions.
The agreement also includes support for curriculum development, with Google providing access to AI tools and collaborating with institutions to develop locally relevant content. Device support will be enhanced through the deployment of ChromeOS Flex to revitalise existing hardware, offering strategic hardware advice, and empowering IT teams through advanced training.
The MoU will also include collaboration on policy and governance, sharing expertise on AI policy development and the use of AI in public institutions.
Makwane said the partnership reflects Google’s commitment to building local capacity and unlocking economic potential through technology.
Makwane further emphasised that the commitment to higher education and South Africa overall, is deeply rooted in capacity building.
"AI has moved from theory to everyday reality. Our research shows digital technology is a massive catalyst for South Africa, with Google tools alone contributing R118 billion to the economy in 2023. AI is set to add another R172 billion, creating new skills and unlocking growth opportunities for all citizens.
“To capture this value, we must close the skills gap and empower our youth to innovate for Africa's unique context. Inclusivity is key; when South Africans build with tools that understand their environment and languages, technology becomes a true driver of growth," Makwane said.
The agreement will be implemented over a period of two years. – SAnews.gov.za
