The South West Gauteng TVET College held a certification ceremony to celebrate learners who successfully completed a groundbreaking digital programme to bridge the digital divide in the technology field.
The ceremony happened on 6 July at the TVET College Dobsonville campus.
The college, in partnership with the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSETA),celebrated a significant milestone in youth skills development with the certification of the first cohort of 250 learners who completed the Township Digital Programme.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a strategic initiative launched on 30 September 2025 to bridge the digital divide, expand access to digital literacy and prepare township youth for participation in the rapidly evolving digital economy. In addition to receiving completion certificates, graduates were handed Learning Gadgets and 50GB data packages to support their continued learning, digital engagement and career development.
The principal of the college, Malose Joseph Monyamane, described the occasion as more than a graduation ceremony, calling it “a celebration of hope, innovation, transformation and opportunity.”
He emphasised that the programme demonstrates what can be achieved when government, industry and educational institutions collaborate to create meaningful opportunities for young people.
“Today is more than a certificate ceremony,” he said. “It is a demonstration of what becomes possible when visionary partnerships between government, industry and public institutions come together with a shared commitment to empower young people with the skills required for the digital economy.”
Monyamane highlighted the growing importance of digital skills in an era driven by Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, robotics and digital automation.
Speaking on the significance of the gadgets and data packages distributed during the ceremony, the principal urged graduates to treat them as tools of empowerment rather than gifts.
“The learning gadgets and internet connectivity that you receive today represent access to unlimited learning opportunities, online employment platforms, virtual collaboration, digital entrepreneurship and lifelong education.”
The programme also directly supports South Africa’s National Development Plan Vision 2030 and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, both of which identify education, innovation and skills development as key drivers of economic growth, employment creation and social inclusion.
“Young people equipped with relevant digital competencies are no longer limited by geography. They can work remotely, establish technology businesses, provide freelance services, develop digital solutions, participate in global markets and create employment opportunities for others.”
Graduates were encouraged to become lifelong learners, continue developing their skills, and use technology responsibly to serve their communities. Monyamane challenged them to become innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators capable of contributing towards inclusive economic growth.
“Do not wait for opportunities but create them. Start digital businesses, develop innovative applications, support local enterprises through technology and become job creators instead of merely job seekers.
“Together, through education, partnerships and innovation, we are building a digitally skilled nation capable of competing confidently in the global economy,” Monyamane concluded.
