Google SA Country Director Kabelo Makwane and DHET Deputy Minister Dr Mimmi Gondwe. (Image: supplied)
Google South Africa and higher departments Education and Training (DHET) has signed a two-year commitment to upskill students and staff in the post-school education and training (PSET) system. artificial intelligence (Aye) and digital skills.
Amid growing concerns about misalignment of graduate output and industry requirements, in terms of skill sets relevant to the modern era.
South Africa's DHET oversees 20 public universities, 50 technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and nine community education and training (CET) colleges.
DHET and Google SA formalized their partnership yesterday, with Dr Mimmi Gondwe, Deputy Minister in the Department, and Kabelo Makwane, Google SA Country Director, expressing their commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
They say the partnership seeks to “boost workforce development in the country by enhancing digital skills, incorporating AI in higher education, and providing access to training programs including an initial 10,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for public universities, TVET colleges and CET colleges.”
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It focuses on five key pillars: skills training, AI teacher training, curriculum and product support, device support, and AI policy.
This initiative will be implemented with partner institutions African Institute for Mathematical Sciences And African Technology Forum.
Speaking at the MOU signing event, Gondwe said the partnership, which will begin with a pilot project in 10 institutions, is focused on preparing young South Africans to participate meaningfully in the economy.
He highlighted that this is part of the government's deliberate efforts to collaborate with the private sector. Gondwe said the partnerships are designed to ensure that the PSET system aligns with the skills needed and in demand for the emerging economy.
“Our youth should not be peripheral participants in the economy; they should be at the center of it.
“I am very excited to see this MOU with Google come to fruition. It will significantly boost digital skills development in our universities, TVET and CET colleges. Digital and AI skills are vital to navigate the modern world and secure future employment opportunities.
“It is essential that our students, especially those living in remote and township areas, are prepared for the job market after leaving our region, and have the right skills for employability, including self-employment and entrepreneurship.”
South Africa's digital skills readiness has recently come into sharp focus, with the country ranked 54th out of 67 countries in 2024, based on international benchmarking. IMD Business School.
A recently released report, titled: “South Africa's Digital Infrastructure Investment Study“, highlights a significant discrepancy in the country’s digital skills pipeline.
The study's specially developed Digital Skills Employment Readiness Index determined that while almost 50% of school leavers have the basic capabilities to achieve digital literacy, less than half of university graduates demonstrate the advanced digital competencies required to meaningfully participate in the modern digital economy upon graduation.
This suggests that there is a need for a “revitalized” digital skills development framework based on a strategic, multi-decadal plan. It reads, “South Africa must move away from fragmented short-term initiatives towards a coherent national strategy that embeds digital skills development across the education system – from early childhood through foundational education, and access to tertiary and vocational qualifications, micro-credentials and lifelong digital learning.”
Makwane described higher education as “the engine of South Africa's economic growth”.
Citing data from the World Economic Forum, he said that between 2025 and 2030, 39% of existing skills are expected to become obsolete. This, he said, shows the urgent need to enhance skills.
Makwane also said that 85% of employers are already looking for and prioritizing a variety of skills for advancement and succession in their organizations.
According to Makwane, specialist areas such as AI, machine learning, data science for big data and cyber security are finding expression in different parts of the economy apart from the traditional IT sector.
“The digital economy is actively reshaping the way we work and learn. Artificial intelligence has moved from theory to everyday reality. Our research shows that digital technology is helping the South African economy grow.
“AI is set to add R172 billion to the economy, creating new skills and opening up growth opportunities for all citizens. To capture this value, we must bridge the skills gap and empower our youth to innovate for Africa’s unique context.
“Inclusivity is key; when South Africans build with tools that understand their environment and languages, technology becomes a true driver of development.”
Makwane believes that the youth will acquire skills that will position them for employment not only in the local economy but in the global arena.
“To unlock this economic value, we must embrace technology and decisively address the skills shortage. We must empower our youth to become creators and innovators of solutions that serve Africa's unique context.”
Major areas of cooperation:
Skills Training: Providing access to training programs including 10,000 Google Career Certificate Scholarships in areas such as AI essentials, cyber security and data analytics aimed at students, teachers and IT staff in selected public universities, TVET and CET colleges with an emphasis on rural and township areas.
AI Teacher Training: Google will provide AI training for teachers through programs such as Generative AI for Teachers and collaborate on a train-the-trainer model to foster broader skills sharing.
Courses and Product Support: Providing relevant Google AI products to public institutions, including curriculum development, where Google will facilitate access to AI and technology curriculum, co-create localized content, and assist with integration across institutions.
Device Support: Google will deploy ChromeOS Flex to empower IT teams through refurbishing existing hardware, providing strategic hardware advice, and advanced training.
AI Policy: The agreement will also include cooperation on policy and governance, sharing expertise on AI policy development and use of AI in public institutions.