Bridging the Digital Divide: A New Era for Rural South Africa with the CHIETA Smart Skills Centre

In Babanango, a small town in South Africa’s Zululand district, a historic moment is taking place. The launch of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) Smart Skills Centre is bringing digital skills development to rural communities and marks a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide.

Addressing the Digital Divide in Rural South Africa

The Zululand district has historically been a rural area, and only 31% of its economy comes from the tertiary sector and community services. The CHIETA Smart Skills Centre in Babanango will help address the digital divide in this area by providing access to technology and digital skills training.

Ambitious Project to Benefit Local Community

The Smart Skills Centre in Babanango is the third and largest of its kind, as part of CHIETA’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital skills gap in rural communities. The Centre aims to benefit learners, job seekers, and business people, particularly those who lack internet connectivity.

Offering Tech-Enabled Learning Programs

The Centre will offer tech-enabled learning programs, including virtual and augmented reality, robotics, and the Internet of Things. The training will cover essential technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), software development, data science, and mobile device repairs. This initiative will enable unemployed youth to establish successful data-driven commercial businesses and provide technological solutions to local and global challenges.

Supporting the South African Government’s Plans

The Smart Skills Centre aligns with the South African government’s larger plans to revolutionize digital skills development across the country, as highlighted in the National Development Plan (NDP). The government recognizes the importance of small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) for job creation, innovation, and sustainability. The goal is to have 90% of new jobs created through SMMEs by 2030.

Addressing Youth Unemployment in South Africa

Youth unemployment in South Africa is a significant challenge, with nearly one in two youth unemployed. The Smart Skills Centre aims to address this issue by equipping youth with digital skills that meet the demands of industries relying on technology for growth. The Centre will provide online learning programs related to start-up businesses, blockchain technology, AI, virtual reality, software development, data science, and mobile repairs.

Minister of Higher Education Urges Youth to Seize Opportunities

During the launch of the Smart Skills Centre, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation Dr. Blade Nzimande stressed the Centre’s importance for the local community. He urged youth to view the Centre as a new beginning for their careers and businesses, contributing to their families’ well-being and advancing the country’s economic development.

Empowering Local Youth

The CHIETA Smart Skills Centre in Babanango is a significant step in bridging the digital divide between rural and urban communities. By providing access to vital digital skills and technology, the Centre will empower local youth to seize numerous opportunities and contribute to a more inclusive and digitally connected world.