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Vodacom Group, under the leadership of South African business executive Shameel Joosub, has announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft South Africa to tackle the pressing issue of youth unemployment in the country.
The partnership aims to provide free access to digital training courses through the newly unveiled Mzansi Digital Learning platform.
The Mzansi Digital Learning platform, a joint endeavor between Vodacom and Microsoft SA, seeks to equip young South Africans with essential digital skills demanded by today’s job market. This initiative comes as a response to the alarming 44-percent youth unemployment rate in South Africa.
Digital literacy for all: Vodacom’s bold step toward inclusive technology
The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to fostering digital inclusion and ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward digital literacy. By granting free access to digital training courses, the initiative aims to unlock the wealth of opportunities offered by the digital economy and enhance proficiency in technological advancements like AI.
Mathys Venter, managing executive for prepaid and loyalty at Vodacom South Africa, expressed gratitude for the transformative partnership, emphasizing the shared ambition to empower individuals through innovative digital training. Venter highlighted the importance of digital literacy in combating unemployment, reiterating Vodacom’s dedication to creating an inclusive digital society.
Driving digital inclusion: Vodacom’s mission to skill 300,000 youth
Vodacom Group, which serves over 129.9 million customers across multiple African countries, has expanded its operations under Joosub’s leadership, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to driving connectivity and digital access across the continent.
The Mzansi Digital Learning platform will be integrated into Vodacom’s NXT LVL rewards platform and ConnectU, providing customers with zero-rated access to educational content.
The platform will offer courses on topics such as generative AI, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity, with certification granted upon course completion, aligning with the most sought-after jobs in South Africa.
The initiative aims to reach 300,000 individuals over the coming months, with a specific focus on empowering youth to acquire the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy.
