1. Executive Summary
In a collaborative effort to bridge South Africa’s digital divide and promote sustainable community development, SayPro and Accenture South Africa have launched a new training initiative that will provide End User Computing (EUC) skills to 400 residents of Diepsloot. This transformative project aims to address digital illiteracy, enhance employability, and create new opportunities for economic participation in one of Gauteng’s most underserved townships.
The program, grounded in practical training and community engagement, will empower youth, women, and unemployed individuals by equipping them with foundational digital skills aligned to South Africa’s growing digital economy.
2. Context and Rationale
2.1 About Diepsloot
Diepsloot, located in northern Johannesburg, is home to over 350,000 residents, many of whom face chronic unemployment, poor service delivery, and a lack of access to quality education and technology infrastructure. Despite its proximity to economic hubs like Fourways and Midrand, the community remains largely excluded from digital transformation and employment opportunities.
A 2022 report from the Gauteng Department of Economic Development highlighted that more than 60% of young adults in Diepsloot are unemployed, and over 70% have never received formal computer training. This EUC training program responds directly to that need.
2.2 Why End User Computing?
End User Computing (EUC) includes the essential digital skills necessary to function in a modern work environment. These include:
- Basic computer operation
- Word processing (e.g., Microsoft Word)
- Spreadsheets (e.g., Excel)
- Digital communication (e.g., email, online collaboration)
- File management and internet research
- Introduction to digital safety and ethics
Mastery of EUC skills is often the first step toward employment, entrepreneurship, or further digital learning in fields such as data analysis, coding, or administrative support.
3. About the Partners
3.1 SayPro (South African Youth Projects)
SayPro is a leading non-profit organisation that provides youth development, skills training, entrepreneurship support, and community upliftment programs across South Africa. With a presence in Diepsloot and surrounding areas, SayPro has a strong grassroots network and deep understanding of community dynamics, which allows it to tailor programs to local needs.
Over the past decade, SayPro has trained over 100,000 individuals nationwide, many of whom have gone on to secure employment or start their own businesses.
3.2 Accenture South Africa
Accenture, a global consulting and technology firm, brings its extensive expertise in digital innovation, transformation, and inclusion to this partnership. Accenture is committed to ensuring that the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution reach all communities—not just the economically advantaged.
Through its Skills to Succeed program and corporate social responsibility investments, Accenture has funded and facilitated digital literacy and employment-readiness projects across South Africa, making them an ideal partner for SayPro.
4. Program Goals and Objectives
4.1 Primary Goal
To deliver a 10-week End User Computing training program to 400 residents of Diepsloot, with the intent of improving digital literacy, employability, and access to further learning.
4.2 Specific Objectives
- Equip participants with practical computer and internet usage skills.
- Prepare learners for entry-level jobs requiring basic IT literacy.
- Foster entrepreneurial potential using digital tools.
- Provide post-training support and career guidance.
- Empower women and youth from vulnerable backgrounds.
5. Target Audience and Eligibility
5.1 Who Can Apply?
The program is targeted at:
- Unemployed youth (18–35 years old)
- Women seeking to re-enter the workforce
- School leavers or those with limited formal education
- Early-stage entrepreneurs needing computer skills
- Residents of Diepsloot and nearby informal settlements
5.2 Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected through a community-driven outreach process, including:
- Community radio and WhatsApp group promotions
- Nominations from local NGOs and civic groups
- Walk-in applications at SayPro’s Diepsloot center
Priority will be given to applicants who:
- Demonstrate a strong motivation to learn
- Lack previous access to digital skills training
- Can commit to attending all sessions
6. Program Design and Delivery
6.1 Training Duration
- Length: 10 weeks
- Hours: Approximately 120 learning hours (12 hours per week)
- Format: Hybrid (in-person classes + online resources)
- Languages: English, isiZulu, Sepedi (with multilingual support)
6.2 Training Venues
Classes will be conducted at:
- SayPro Learning Centre, Diepsloot
- Partner schools and community halls
- Mobile tech hubs (for pop-up workshops)
6.3 Learning Materials and Tools
Participants will receive:
- Printed training manuals and digital guides
- Free access to SayPro’s online learning platform
- Use of laptops or desktops during sessions
- Mobile data vouchers for at-home learning
7. Curriculum Breakdown
The curriculum is designed to align with South Africa’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF Level 3) for End User Computing and includes the following modules:
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Computers & Operating Systems |
| Week 2 | Microsoft Word: Word Processing Skills |
| Week 3 | Microsoft Excel: Basic Spreadsheets and Formulas |
| Week 4 | Microsoft PowerPoint: Presentation Design |
| Week 5 | Email Usage and Online Communication |
| Week 6 | Internet Research, File Management, and Cloud Storage |
| Week 7 | Digital Citizenship, Cybersecurity, and Online Safety |
| Week 8 | Workplace Scenarios and Business Applications |
| Week 9 | Group Projects and Practical Applications |
| Week 10 | Final Assessments and Certification |
8. Certification and Recognition
Upon successful completion, participants will receive:
- A SayPro-Endorsed Certificate of Completion
- A co-branded certificate from Accenture
- Recognition as having completed a nationally aligned EUC program
These credentials will support job applications, freelance work, and further academic pursuits.
9. Post-Training Opportunities
9.1 Job Readiness Support
SayPro will assist graduates with:
- CV writing and interview skills workshops
- Access to SayPro’s job placement platform
- Referrals to internships, learnerships, and employer networks
9.2 Advanced Learning Pathways
Graduates interested in further training will be eligible for:
- Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Courses
- Basic Coding Bootcamps
- Office Administration Programs
- Entrepreneurship Development Workshops
10. Monitoring and Evaluation
SayPro and Accenture will implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track:
| Key Indicator | Target |
|---|---|
| Total participants enrolled | 400 individuals |
| Program completion rate | 85% |
| Certification rate | 75% |
| Employment or placement rate | 40% within 6 months |
| Satisfaction rate | >85% based on feedback |
Tools for monitoring include surveys, focus groups, learning assessments, and follow-up interviews.
11. Program Impact
11.1 Individual Impact
- Increased self-confidence in using technology
- Enhanced access to employment and freelance gigs
- A pathway out of poverty for digitally excluded youth
- Access to digital tools that support learning and income generation
11.2 Community and Economic Impact
- 400 digitally skilled individuals in Diepsloot contributing to the local economy
- A stronger, digitally connected informal business sector
- A scalable model for township-based digital education
12. Sustainability and Scalability
12.1 Sustainability Model
The EUC program is designed to be sustainable by:
- Training local facilitators from Diepsloot
- Reusing and updating the online platform for future cohorts
- Engaging alumni as peer mentors and community ambassadors
12.2 Future Expansion
Based on the success of the Diepsloot pilot, SayPro and Accenture plan to replicate the model in other Gauteng townships such as:
- Alexandra
- Orange Farm
- Mamelodi
- Tembisa
This forms part of a broader vision to train 10,000 individuals nationwide over the next five years.
13. Conclusion
This partnership between SayPro and Accenture is a landmark initiative for digital empowerment in Diepsloot. By equipping 400 individuals with End User Computing skills, the program is not only preparing them for employment—it is unlocking potential, restoring dignity, and fostering innovation in one of Johannesburg’s most underserved communities.
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