1. Executive Summary
In a transformative collaboration, SayPro (SayPro International Development Institute) and Accenture South Africa have joined forces to launch a cutting-edge Data Capturing training programme targeting 50 young individuals from South African cities. As urban environments grapple with high youth unemployment, rapid technological advancements, and evolving labor market demands, this partnership addresses critical digital skill gaps and seeks to create employment-ready youth equipped for the modern digital economy.
2. Introduction
2.1 Context: Digital Skills and Urban Unemployment
South Africa’s cities, while brimming with potential and infrastructure, face alarming levels of youth unemployment. As digital transformation redefines industries and workspaces, there remains a pressing need to ensure urban youth are not left behind. Many young individuals lack the digital fluency, certifications, or exposure necessary to participate in formal or freelance job markets.
2.2 Partnership Vision
The SayPro-Accenture Data Capturing Training Programme aims to close the digital divide by:
- Providing foundational and market-relevant data management skills
- Enabling access to employment and gig work opportunities
- Creating a bridge between education and employment for underserved youth in cities
3. About the Partners
3.1 SayPro – SayPro International Development Institute
SayPro is a global organization based in South Africa that designs and delivers over 100 education and development programmes. With a proven track record in community capacity building, SayPro has empowered thousands of individuals through job-readiness programmes, vocational training, and entrepreneurship development across urban and peri-urban centres.
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture is a global professional services company with a strong focus on technology, innovation, and human capital development. In South Africa, Accenture leads impactful community initiatives, particularly through its Skills to Succeed programme, which empowers individuals with the skills to gain employment or start businesses in the digital age.
4. Programme Objectives
4.1 Primary Goals
- To train 50 urban youth in Data Capturing and digital administration
- To improve the employability and self-employment readiness of participants
- To foster digital inclusion and economic resilience in South African cities
4.2 Long-Term Outcomes
- Enhanced access to digital job opportunities
- Reduced unemployment in targeted urban areas
- Creation of a sustainable pipeline of tech-ready talent
5. Target Beneficiaries and Locations
5.1 Participant Profile
- Young adults aged 18–35
- Residents of urban and metropolitan areas
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Basic literacy and numeracy
- Demonstrated interest in administrative or tech-related careers
5.2 Focus Cities
- Johannesburg – Gauteng
- Cape Town – Western Cape
- Durban – KwaZulu-Natal
- Pretoria – Gauteng
- Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) – Eastern Cape
6. Training Structure and Curriculum
6.1 Programme Format
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Delivery Mode: Blended (In-person and virtual learning)
- Schedule: Weekdays, 5 hours/day
- Language: English, with multilingual support as needed
6.2 Curriculum Overview
Module 1: Digital Literacy
- Introduction to computers and the internet
- Typing, file management, and using online tools
Module 2: Fundamentals of Data Capturing
- Understanding data types and sources
- Capturing data in spreadsheets, databases, and CRMs
- Accuracy, speed, and validation
Module 3: Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets
- Formatting, formulas, data sorting, and basic analysis
- Using Excel templates for professional documentation
Module 4: Data Protection and Confidentiality
- Understanding POPIA and data privacy policies
- Secure handling of personal and corporate data
Module 5: Professional Work Ethics
- Time management, remote work etiquette
- Communication skills and customer handling
Module 6: Career Development and Work Readiness
- Writing CVs and professional email writing
- Preparing for interviews
- Navigating online job platforms (LinkedIn, Upwork, Job Mail)
7. Tools, Facilities and Resources
7.1 Digital Labs and Equipment
- Access to fully equipped training labs in city learning centres
- Provision of tablets or laptops for practical tasks
- Software licenses for Microsoft Office and data tools
7.2 Learning Materials
- Printed manuals and e-books
- Video tutorials and recorded lessons for revision
- Cloud-based learner portals
7.3 Learner Support
- Daily transport stipends or travel vouchers
- Meal allowance during training sessions
- Peer mentors and academic advisors
8. Certification and Recognition
8.1 Assessment and Completion Criteria
- Weekly assignments and a final data entry project
- Minimum 80% attendance
- Demonstration of technical and soft skills proficiency
8.2 Awarded Credentials
- SayPro-Accenture Certificate in Data Capturing
- Digital badge shareable on resumes and social platforms
- Letter of recommendation for job applications
9. Career Pathways and Job Linkages
9.1 Short-Term Outcomes
- Placement in internships with SayPro partner organizations
- Access to freelance and remote work platforms
- Job referrals to BPOs, corporate admin departments, and NGOs
9.2 Long-Term Pathways
- Advanced ICT skills training (Data Analysis, CRM systems)
- Business administration and office support roles
- Opportunities to transition into roles in HR, finance, customer service, and compliance
10. Stakeholder Involvement
10.1 Community Engagement
- Collaboration with local city councils and youth hubs
- Outreach via universities, libraries, churches, and civic groups
- Media coverage through urban radio stations and social media campaigns
10.2 Partner Support
- Accenture provides funding, curriculum input, and mentorship
- SayPro ensures programme execution, learner support, and monitoring
11. Monitoring and Evaluation
11.1 Metrics for Success
- Completion rate: At least 90% of learners to finish the programme
- Employment rate: 50% of graduates employed or freelancing within 3 months
- Learner satisfaction: Minimum 85% positive feedback
- Community impact: At least 10 local organizations benefiting from graduate placements
11.2 Feedback Loops
- Daily facilitator reports and learner check-ins
- Post-programme interviews and tracer studies
- Employer feedback on intern performance
12. Testimonials
“This course gave me hope. I never thought I’d learn how to use Excel or work with data. Now, I help my uncle with admin for his taxi business.”
— Zanele M., Johannesburg Graduate
“After this training, I got an online job as a data entry assistant for a small company in the UK. I work from home, earn in dollars, and support my family.”
— Thabo K., Durban Graduate
13. Challenges and Mitigation
13.1 Urban Cost of Living
- Solution: Stipends, travel support, and meals to reduce dropout risk
13.2 Digital Fatigue and Distractions
- Solution: Engaging facilitators, gamified learning, structured breaks
13.3 Competition for Jobs
- Solution: Guidance on freelancing, entrepreneurship, and alternative income channels
14. Expansion and Sustainability
14.1 Future Growth
- Scale to 1,000 urban learners annually across five major cities
- Create an online version of the programme for national rollout
- Incorporate AI and data visualization into advanced modules
14.2 Urban Impact Strategy
- Develop urban digital hubs for ongoing youth development
- Create alumni networks for peer-led training and mentorship
- Partner with city-based SMEs and corporates for long-term job pipelines
15. Conclusion
The SayPro-Accenture partnership is a bold and timely intervention in the face of growing digital inequality and urban unemployment. By investing in Data Capturing skills, this initiative builds job-ready, confident, and tech-savvy youth prepared to meet the demands of modern work. It not only changes the lives of the 50 selected participants but also strengthens the urban workforce and fuels local economic resilience.
SayPro and Accenture are investing in real, tangible impact—one young person, one city at a time.
Leave a Reply