KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, today led the handover of 300 digital devices to unemployed youth at the Old Ulundi Legislature Building, marking a significant milestone in the province’s ongoing efforts to equip young people with critical skills for the modern economy.
The 300 beneficiaries, drawn from the Zululand, King Cetshwayo and Mkhanyakude Districts, will undergo specialised training in Cybersecurity and Technopreneurship skills identified as critical in addressing both unemployment and the growing demand for digital expertise.
The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority and the South African Public Colleges Organisation, as part of the Youth Skills Training Programme running from 2025 to 2030.
Addressing attendees, Premier Ntuli emphasised the importance of aligning skills development with industry needs, noting that the programme responds directly to the province’s commitment to empower young people with relevant, future-fit skills.
“This initiative is about more than just handing over devices, it is about unlocking opportunities, restoring hope, and preparing our youth to actively participate in the economy. We are investing in a generation that will drive innovation, fight modern challenges such as cybercrime, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth,” said Premier Ntuli.
The programme will train 300 unemployed youth, including 180 graduates in Technopreneurship and 120 matriculants in Cybersecurity. In addition, 85 persons with disabilities will benefit from targeted training in furniture making and new venture creation, ensuring inclusivity in skills development.
Premier Ntuli highlighted that the programme forms part of a broader provincial strategy to address the needs of youth who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), by prioritising practical, technical and entrepreneurial skills over traditional academic pathways alone.
The selection of beneficiaries was conducted in collaboration with district municipalities to ensure transparency and equitable representation from communities most in need of economic opportunities.
The appointed training provider, SAPCO, will commence training immediately following the handover. Beneficiaries will also receive stipends, with the first payments scheduled for 30 April 2026, providing essential financial support during the training period.
Premier Ntuli reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment, stating that the future of KwaZulu-Natal depends on equipping young people with the tools to succeed in an evolving digital world.
“This is just the beginning. Through partnerships and sustained investment in skills development, we are building a capable, confident and economically active generation that will shape the future of our province,” he added.
The Premier expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the initiative, particularly ETDPSETA and SAPCO, for their continued commitment to youth development.
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER, KWAZULU-NATAL