IN CONVERSATION WITH PROJECTS CEO, LUCKY MBOKODO
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South Africa continues to face significant challenges relating to youth unemployment, unequal access to technology, and disparities in educational opportunities between urban and rural communities. Many learners in underserved areas still lack access to reliable internet connectivity, digital learning tools, and modern educational infrastructure, placing them at a disadvantage in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Against this backdrop, the National Teq ICT Innovation Programme has emerged as a large-scale initiative aimed at addressing both unemployment and digital exclusion. Funded by Pexcor Digital Transformation and implemented by Mswenko Projects, the programme is rolling out fully equipped computer centres, ICT learning systems, and free unlimited Wi-Fi to rural schools across all nine provinces over a five-year period.
The programme has already created approximately 1 200 employment opportunities for young South Africans, with participants involved in technical support, administration, planning, implementation, and system monitoring. By combining job creation with digital infrastructure development, the initiative seeks to empower young people while expanding access to technology in communities that have historically been underserved.
Beyond connectivity and digital education, the programme also addresses practical barriers to learning through the distribution of school uniforms to learners in disadvantaged communities. This component aims to support learner dignity, improve school participation, and reduce some of the socio-economic challenges faced by families.
The initiative is designed to modernise learning environments by providing schools with the technological resources needed to support digital literacy, online learning, and skills development. Proponents argue that access to reliable internet and ICT facilities is increasingly essential for educational achievement, workforce readiness, and participation in the digital economy.
The National Teq ICT Innovation Programme represents a broader effort to promote inclusive development through partnerships between the private sector and implementation partners. Supporters believe such collaborations can accelerate digital transformation, create sustainable employment opportunities, and help bridge South Africa’s digital divide.
The programme will be officially launched on 25 July 2026 at Mananga Sports Ground in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, marking a significant milestone in its nationwide rollout. The launch is expected to highlight the programme’s achievements to date, its impact on youth employment and education, and its long-term vision of expanding digital inclusion and opportunity across South Africa’s rural communities.
Against this backdrop, the National Teq ICT Innovation Programme has emerged as a large-scale initiative aimed at addressing both unemployment and digital exclusion. Funded by Pexcor Digital Transformation and implemented by Mswenko Projects, the programme is rolling out fully equipped computer centres, ICT learning systems, and free unlimited Wi-Fi to rural schools across all nine provinces over a five-year period.
The programme has already created approximately 1 200 employment opportunities for young South Africans, with participants involved in technical support, administration, planning, implementation, and system monitoring. By combining job creation with digital infrastructure development, the initiative seeks to empower young people while expanding access to technology in communities that have historically been underserved.
Beyond connectivity and digital education, the programme also addresses practical barriers to learning through the distribution of school uniforms to learners in disadvantaged communities. This component aims to support learner dignity, improve school participation, and reduce some of the socio-economic challenges faced by families.
The initiative is designed to modernise learning environments by providing schools with the technological resources needed to support digital literacy, online learning, and skills development. Proponents argue that access to reliable internet and ICT facilities is increasingly essential for educational achievement, workforce readiness, and participation in the digital economy.
The National Teq ICT Innovation Programme represents a broader effort to promote inclusive development through partnerships between the private sector and implementation partners. Supporters believe such collaborations can accelerate digital transformation, create sustainable employment opportunities, and help bridge South Africa’s digital divide.
The programme will be officially launched on 25 July 2026 at Mananga Sports Ground in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, marking a significant milestone in its nationwide rollout. The launch is expected to highlight the programme’s achievements to date, its impact on youth employment and education, and its long-term vision of expanding digital inclusion and opportunity across South Africa’s rural communities.
