Empowering Limpopo’s Youth for a Digital Future
Empowering Limpopo’s Youth for a Digital Future. The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), in partnership with the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BankSETA), hosted a life-changing digital skills development workshop for Grade 12 learners in Limpopo.
Held at Makgongoana High School, this initiative forms part of an ongoing effort to bridge the digital divide and empower South African youth—particularly those from under-resourced areas—with critical digital skills and career guidance.
The workshop, which took place in June 2025, is a continuation of the TUT-BankSETA partnership launched in 2021.
With the backing of TUT’s Department of Accounting in the Faculty of Economics and Finance, the programme has been pivotal in transforming how learners engage with technology, education, and career development in rural South Africa.
TUT-BankSETA Collaboration
The TUT-BankSETA collaboration was established to promote digital training and skills development across Limpopo. This multi-year partnership is a strong example of how academic institutions and sector training authorities can come together to uplift communities.
At Makgongoana High School, 20 selected Grade 12 learners benefited from a two-phase, seven-day digital skills workshop. The initiative was spearheaded by the Department of Accounting at TUT, further supported by stakeholders such as:
- Student Development and Support (SDS) Department
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- DHET INDLELA
- Nedbank
Bridging the Gap: From Classroom to Career
The workshop was divided into two impactful phases, each designed to equip learners with essential life and career skills.
Phase 1: Career Counselling and Work Readiness
Dates: 20–21 June 2025
Focus: Post-school guidance and professional preparedness
This phase was driven by a strong career development focus, where learners received:
- One-on-one and group career guidance
- Information on higher education pathways
- Advice on financial planning and scholarships
- Interactive sessions on soft skills and workplace expectations
The participation of key stakeholders like DHET, INDLELA, and Nedbank ensured that learners were exposed to real-world knowledge about post-matric opportunities, financial literacy, and career mapping.
Career Guidance and Support Provided
| Organisation | Contribution |
|---|---|
| TUT SDS Department | Soft skills and student development workshops |
| DHET | Higher education and training pathway insights |
| DHET (INDLELA) | Vocational training and career progression guidance |
| Nedbank | Financial literacy and banking career exposure |
Phase 2: Digital Skills Training
Dates: 23–27 June 2025
Focus: Technology empowerment and digital literacy
This phase introduced learners to basic programming concepts, Microsoft Office proficiency, and the use of digital tools essential in today’s economy. Some of the key digital competencies taught included:
- Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint basics
- Internet safety and responsible digital citizenship
- Foundational coding and logical problem-solving
- Creating professional documents and presentations
These skills are vital not only for academic purposes but also for future employability in a digital-first economy.
Celebrating Achievements: The Closing Ceremony
The programme concluded with a grand closing ceremony on 12 July 2025 at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane. During this celebratory event, key figures praised the learners, teachers, and partners for their commitment and dedication.
TUT Leadership Remarks
Fezile Ngcongwane, Head of the Department of Accounting at TUT, commended the learners, saying:
“This programme was not only about digital skills and programming—it was about showing what’s possible when we engage, show up, and take charge of our futures.”
Each of the 20 learners was awarded a certificate of participation and a tablet, reinforcing the idea that they are now equipped with both knowledge and tools to continue developing their skills.
Equipping Learners for Life Beyond School
Keywords: digital skills for learners, career guidance, TUT BankSETA workshop
At the ceremony, BankSETA’s Regional Manager for Limpopo and Mpumalanga, Elelwani Netshituni, motivated learners to stay focused:
“Prepare well for your exams and never lose sight of your dreams. Use your tablets wisely and make sure your university applications are submitted on time.”
This strong message of perseverance and proper planning echoed the broader theme of the workshop: empowerment through education.
School Leadership Commendation
Dr Shapule Modjaji, Principal of Makgongoana High School, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organisers:
“We are thankful to the BankSETA and TUT teams, especially the Department of Accounting. I also want to commend our teaching staff for their commitment and passion.”
Her remarks underscored the critical role that educators and institutional partnerships play in transforming rural education.
Why This Workshop Matters
This initiative exemplifies how strategic collaboration can have long-term, transformative impact, particularly in underprivileged communities. By providing digital access, educational tools, and career direction, the programme ensures that learners in Limpopo are not left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Outcomes of the Digital Skills Workshop
| Area of Impact | Outcome Achieved |
|---|---|
| Digital Literacy | Learners gained practical knowledge of Microsoft tools |
| Career Guidance | Improved clarity on post-matric options |
| Technology Access | Tablets provided for continued learning |
| Confidence and Soft Skills | Boost in self-esteem and workplace readiness |
Conclusion
The TUT and BankSETA digital skills workshop in Limpopo is a powerful blueprint for future educational initiatives. It proves that with the right partnerships, planning, and purpose, learners from even the most remote schools can be given the tools to succeed in a digital, competitive, and rapidly evolving world.
