The South African Youth Project (SayPro), through its flagship initiative—the Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project—has welcomed 15 unemployed youth currently studying towards qualifications in Information Technology (IT) as part of the MICTSETA-funded University Placement Programme. This 12-month work-integrated learning placement is designed to give students currently enrolled in university access to structured, supervised workplace experience while completing their studies.
This programme is a timely and vital intervention in South Africa’s ongoing challenge of youth unemployment and the skills-to-employment gap. It focuses on empowering learners who are still in the process of earning their degrees or diplomas in IT but who lack the real-world experience that employers demand. Through this partnership, these students gain practical knowledge, apply their theoretical learning in live settings, and develop both technical and workplace skills essential for long-term career success.
The Context: Bridging the Academic-to-Employment Divide
Many university students, particularly those in technical disciplines such as Information Technology, struggle to find internships or placements that provide them with meaningful experience. This often delays graduation or leaves them with qualifications but little to no workplace readiness.
The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICTSETA) has responded to this need by funding work-integrated learning opportunities through its University Placement Programme. The programme provides a critical bridge between academic learning and employment, by partnering with accredited organisations like SayPro to host learners for up to 12 months in a professional setting.
SayPro’s role in this initiative is to provide a rich, supportive, and impactful environment where learners are treated as emerging professionals and given opportunities to contribute to community-focused technology initiatives.
About SayPro Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project
The Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project is one of SayPro’s most active and innovative sites. While it began as a community hub for creative expression and youth development, it has grown into a multidisciplinary centre of excellence—integrating the arts, digital skills training, civic education, and social innovation.
This evolution has made it an ideal environment for IT learners to apply their skills. The centre uses technology in nearly all of its operations, from programme management to digital storytelling, online learning platforms, and livestreaming public events. The presence of IT learners has further accelerated its digital transformation and improved its ability to serve the community effectively.
Learner Activities and Contributions
The 15 learners placed at SayPro are currently in the process of completing their studies in IT at various South African universities. During their 12-month placement, they are integrated into day-to-day operations and project teams where they take on meaningful tasks such as:
- Website development and maintenance, including UI/UX optimization for SayPro’s digital platforms
- IT support and troubleshooting, including repairing systems, configuring devices, and offering remote tech support
- Database creation and management for participant registration, programme tracking, and reporting
- Cybersecurity assistance, including implementing basic data protection protocols and risk mitigation
- Digital event support, such as setting up livestreams, managing AV equipment, and supporting online workshops
- Technical support for community-based digital skills training, especially for young people learning ICT basics
- Assisting with mobile app testing and feedback, as part of SayPro’s digital outreach tools
- Researching and recommending IT solutions to improve internal processes and community engagement
Each learner is paired with an experienced mentor from SayPro’s technology team who provides supervision, coaching, and structured evaluations throughout the programme.
Personal and Professional Development
In addition to technical tasks, SayPro ensures that learners are exposed to the professional competencies that are increasingly in demand in the modern workplace. These include:
- Professional communication and team collaboration
- Digital project planning using Agile and Scrum principles
- Customer support and service orientation
- Problem-solving and innovation in a resource-constrained environment
- Job readiness training, including CV development, portfolio building, and LinkedIn optimisation
- Ethical considerations in digital environments, such as data privacy and responsible tech use
Learners also attend monthly development workshops and participate in reflection sessions, giving them space to evaluate their progress and identify areas for improvement.
“We don’t just see these students as interns—they are future leaders in tech. Our job is to equip them not only with skills but with confidence, direction, and community values,” said [Insert Name], SayPro’s Programme Lead.
Impact on the Community
The learners’ work has already made a visible difference in the Diepsloot community. Through improved tech infrastructure, faster troubleshooting, better data management, and streamlined digital communications, SayPro is now able to serve more beneficiaries more efficiently.
Community workshops hosted by the learners have helped local youth understand how to safely use the internet, protect their personal information online, and access free learning platforms. These are foundational digital skills that many community members had limited access to prior to the learners’ involvement.
A Collaborative Model for Change
This placement programme demonstrates the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when government, education, and civil society collaborate. MICTSETA has provided the financial support and strategic vision; universities have entrusted SayPro with their students; and SayPro has created a real-world learning space that respects, mentors, and empowers young professionals.
SayPro encourages more SETAs, universities, and industry leaders to invest in programmes like this—programmes that don’t just check boxes, but that truly develop young people and communities.
Future Plans and Expansion
Inspired by the success of this cohort, SayPro plans to:
- Expand its hosting capacity for learners from other faculties such as digital marketing, multimedia design, and data analytics
- Introduce hybrid and virtual placements for learners in rural areas
- Build an alumni mentorship network to support learners post-placement
- Collaborate with tech employers to create pathways into employment for high-performing learners
Conclusion
The SayPro Diepsloot Youth Arts and Culture Project’s 12-month hosting of 15 university learners currently studying IT, under the MICTSETA University Placement Programme, is a transformative initiative that is addressing skills gaps, fostering employability, and uplifting the community. These students are not only enhancing their qualifications—they are using their knowledge to create real-world impact.
Through this programme, SayPro continues to lead by example in youth development, technology for good, and inclusive community growth.
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