A major boost for youth development has arrived in Diepsloot with the official launch of the Afrika Tikkun Digital Skills Hub, a pioneering training centre designed to equip young people with critical digital and technology skills for the future of work. With South Africa’s youth unemployment rate sitting above 44% and over 70% of future jobs expected to require digital skills, the launch of this hub marks an important milestone in the country’s mission to close the digital divide and expand access to tech-driven opportunities.
Backed by the MTN SA Foundation, the new facility forms part of the national Youth Employment Intervention and the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy — positioning Diepsloot’s youth as active contributors to South Africa’s digital transformation. Diepsloot, a densely populated community of more than 350,000 residents, faces limited access to technology and high unemployment levels. However, the demand for digital training is rapidly increasing. In the past three months, Afrika Tikkun has trained more than 600 unemployed youth in digital literacy, job readiness, and ICT skills, demonstrating strong interest in digital-economy opportunities.
The newly launched Digital Skills Hub includes 55 fully upgraded digital workstations and will serve as a central training site for the MTN Skills Academy. Local youth will now have access to training in coding, website development, data analytics, digital marketing, workplace readiness, and foundational digital literacy — programmes that are aligned with high-growth sectors to increase employability and career prospects.
Speaking at the launch, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo praised the initiative, saying, “The real heroes of today are the young people of Diepsloot and the Afrika Tikkun team who walk this journey with them every day. We are honoured to support a partnership that uplifts communities from within.”
Afrika Tikkun Chief Operating Officer Marian Claite emphasised the vision behind the hub, stating, “The greatest contribution one can make is helping another person reach their full potential without expecting financial reward. The Digital Skills Hub will guide our youth toward opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.”
The launch represents more than just a training centre — it is a scalable model for digital inclusion in South African townships. By expanding access to digital tools, strengthening community-based skills development, and building local capability, these partnerships are reshaping economic pathways and empowering Diepsloot youth to play a leading role in the country’s digital future.