KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has handed over 300 digital devices to unemployed youth, marking a key step in the province’s efforts to equip young people with skills for the digital economy.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Zululand, King Cetshwayo and Mkhanyakude Districts, will undergo specialised training in cybersecurity and technopreneurship - fields identified as critical for addressing unemployment and meeting the growing demand for digital expertise.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDPSETA) and the South African Public Colleges Organisation, as part of the Youth Skills Training Programme, which runs from 2025 to 2030.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the Old Ulundi Legislature Building on Tuesday, Ntuli emphasised the importance of aligning skills development with industry needs, noting that the programme responds directly to the province’s commitment to empower young people with relevant, future-fit skills.
“This initiative is about more than just handing over devices; it is about unlocking opportunities, restoring hope, and preparing our youth to actively participate in the economy,” Ntuli said.
He added that the programme is an investment in a generation expected to drive innovation, combat emerging challenges such as cybercrime, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
The programme will train 300 unemployed youth, including 180 graduates in technopreneurship and 120 matriculants in cybersecurity. In addition, 85 people with disabilities will benefit from targeted training in furniture making and new venture creation, ensuring inclusivity in skills development.
Ntuli said the intervention forms part of a broader provincial strategy to support the needs of young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), with a focus on practical, technical and entrepreneurial skills over traditional academic pathways alone.
The selection of beneficiaries was conducted in collaboration with district municipalities to ensure transparency and equitable representation from communities most in need of economic opportunities.
Training will be delivered by the South African Public Colleges Organisation (SAPCO), with programmes set to commence immediately following the handover. Participants will also receive stipends, with the first payments expected by 30 April 2026.
Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment, noting that the future of KwaZulu-Natal depends on equipping young people with the tools to succeed in an evolving digital world.
“This is just the beginning. Through partnerships and sustained investment in skills development, we are building a capable, confident and economically active generation that will shape the future of our province,” the Premier said.
The Premier acknowledged the role of partner organisations in supporting the initiative, commending their continued contribution to youth development in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
