On Tuesday, the Telkom Foundation announced an ambitious program to train 100,000 South African youths in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. This initiative targets young people aged 13 to 29 and aims to equip them with in-demand digital skills that are crucial for the modern economy.
Empowering youth through AI skills training
The Telkom Foundation has launched the “AI Skills for the Future” course, designed to build fluency in AI technologies among South African youth. This program is part of a broader effort to bridge the skills gap and prepare young people for emerging job markets. Participants can access the course via the TelkomLearn digital platform, which offers incentives such as vouchers and prizes to encourage engagement.
Judy Vilakazi, Head of the Telkom Foundation, emphasised the urgency of this training: “Skills gaps are a major threat to South Africa’s economic future. Telkom is committed to being part of the solution by providing educational access and targeted skills training.”
Addressing cybersecurity challenges with training
South Africa faces a growing cybersecurity threat, ranking sixth globally in the number of cybercrime victims. To combat this, the Telkom Foundation’s program includes comprehensive cybersecurity training to prepare young people for careers in protecting digital infrastructure.
The cybersecurity courses cover essential topics such as network security, ethical hacking, and risk management. These courses build foundational knowledge and offer pathways to advanced certifications, increasing employability in a market hungry for cybersecurity professionals.
Telkom’s approach combines digital learning with practical experience, as seen in their previous ICT Learnership and Robotics programs, which have already certified over a thousand youths from underserved communities. This hands-on focus ensures participants graduate with skills that meet industry demands.
This initiative by the Telkom Foundation represents a bold step to empower South African youth with future-ready skills in AI and cybersecurity, addressing both unemployment and the digital skills shortage head-on.