More than 150 young South Africans have graduated from the Telkom Foundation’s RT15 ICT Skills Learnership Programme, gaining accredited qualifications and practical experience that open doors to employment, entrepreneurship and further study.
The certification marks a significant milestone for the cohort, who have completed industry-relevant training designed to prepare them for participation in South Africa’s growing digital economy.
The programme, delivered in partnership with Telkom Consumer, forms part of a five-year Supplier Development and Localization initiative with National Treasury. Each year, it recruits 210 unemployed youth from across the country and equips them with NQF Level 4 and 5 qualifications in fields such as Marketing, Telecommunications Networks, Systems Development and Business Analysis, certified by MICT SETA.
Tackling youth unemployment through skills and experience
South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges. The Q1 2026 Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that unemployment among people aged 15 to 34 has reached 45.8%, rising to 60.9% among those aged 15 to 24. A mismatch between education outcomes and labour market needs, limited work experience and slow economic growth continue to drive these figures.
“To address the country’s unemployment crisis, it is incumbent on the private sector to create sustainable pathways for employment for the youth,” said Judy Vilakazi, Head of the Telkom Foundation. “This begins with recognising that academic qualifications, structured business training and workplace exposure are critical building blocks of an ecosystem that works.”
Expanding opportunity beyond training
Young people in rural and township communities face the greatest barriers, including limited access to quality education, connectivity, transport and mentorship, as well as few clear entry points into the economy. These challenges often result in prolonged economic exclusion and broader social pressures.
The RT15 programme is designed to respond directly to these realities. Through partnerships with corporates and SMMEs, learners receive not only training and connectivity support, but also structured workplace exposure and pathways into economic participation.
To date, 1,106 learners have been trained through the programme, supported by an investment of more than R85 million over the past five years.
“With this programme, Telkom is not only building individual capability but also developing a pipeline of skilled young talent ready to contribute to the ICT sector, strengthen local supplier capacity and advance South Africa’s digital economy,” Vilakazi added.
Early outcomes show impact
Already, 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 certification ceremony represents more than the completion of a programme. It reflects the resilience of young people and the growing impact of targeted digital skills initiatives in creating pathways from learning into earning.
By expanding access to ICT skills, particularly for youth from underserved communities, the initiative reinforces the Telkom Foundation’s commitment to making digital opportunity accessible and meaningful.
It also highlights Telkom’s role beyond connectivity, connecting young people to the skills, experience and opportunities needed to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the economy.