Author: Mmathabo Thabz

Introduction

In a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing the employability and entrepreneurial prospects of South Africa’s urban youth, South African Youth Projects (SayPro) has partnered with Accenture South Africa to deliver Digital Marketing training to 50 young individuals across several key cities in South Africa. The initiative focuses on equipping participants with essential digital marketing skills, enabling them to thrive in the digital economy, whether through full-time employment, freelancing, or entrepreneurship.

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Background

Urban areas in South Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, and Port Elizabeth, are home to a large, youthful population with diverse economic challenges. While these cities offer more employment opportunities, many young people still face significant barriers such as underemployment, limited access to quality skills training, and a lack of hands-on digital experience. The partnership between SayPro and Accenture seeks to address these challenges by providing practical, industry-aligned training in one of the most sought-after skills in the modern workforce: Digital Marketing.

“In the digital age, digital marketing is a gateway to numerous career and business opportunities. Our goal is to ensure that young South Africans, regardless of their background, have access to these opportunities,”
— Neftaly Malatjie, CEO of SayPro

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Program Overview

The Digital Marketing Training Program is a structured 6- to 8-week course designed to provide participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the digital space. The program is focused on:

Key Modules:

• Introduction to Digital Marketing: Overview of digital platforms and online marketing strategies.
• Social Media Marketing: Leveraging Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and other platforms for brand growth.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Understanding the importance of SEO for driving organic traffic to websites.
• Google Ads & Meta Ads: Learning to create, manage, and optimize paid campaigns across Google and Facebook.
• Email Marketing: Crafting effective email campaigns and nurturing customer relationships.
• Content Creation and Branding: Developing engaging content that aligns with business goals.
• Google Analytics: Analyzing website traffic and campaign performance.
• Freelancing & Entrepreneurship: Guidance on building a personal brand and offering digital marketing services.

The course combines virtual learning modules with in-person workshops, hands-on practical sessions, and mentorship from digital marketing experts.

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Program Delivery

The training program is delivered through a blended learning model to ensure flexibility for participants living in urban areas:

• Online Learning: Participants have access to a dedicated e-learning platform with video tutorials, quizzes, and reading materials.
• In-Person Workshops: Hands-on workshops are hosted in key cities, offering real-time interaction and networking with industry professionals.
• Mentorship: Accenture’s digital marketing professionals provide one-on-one mentorship to guide learners through practical projects, career development, and job market entry strategies.
• Community Support: Peer groups and online discussion forums foster collaboration and ongoing learning.

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Participant Profile

The program is aimed at 50 young adults aged 18 to 35, living in urban centers across South Africa. The selection process prioritizes:

• Unemployed or underemployed youth
• Individuals seeking to shift careers or enhance their skill sets
• Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to develop a digital presence or online business
• Diverse representation, with particular focus on gender balance and inclusion of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds

Participants are selected through an open application process and local community outreach, with a strong emphasis on providing opportunities for underrepresented groups.

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Objectives of the Program

This collaboration between SayPro and Accenture aims to:

1. Empower 50 youth in South African cities with the digital skills needed to secure employment or start businesses.
2. Enhance digital literacy among young people, allowing them to contribute to the digital economy.
3. Foster entrepreneurship by equipping participants with the skills to market their own products or services online.
4. Create job-ready digital marketers who can meet the demands of businesses operating in the digital space.

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Accenture’s Role

Accenture plays a pivotal role in this training program by:

• Providing expertise: Accenture’s experienced digital marketing professionals are actively involved in course design, delivery, and mentorship.
• Sponsoring digital tools: Participants are given access to industry-standard tools such as Google Ads, Meta Ads, and Google Analytics.
• Supporting career pathways: Accenture’s extensive corporate network provides pathways for internships, job placements, and freelance opportunities for program graduates.

“Our mission is to help people build the skills that will secure them a place in tomorrow’s workforce. This program is a great way to invest in young South Africans and provide them with practical, real-world skills,”
— Accenture South Africa Representative

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Outcomes and Early Impact

Early signs of success from the program include:

• Increased employability: Many participants have already secured freelance work or part-time jobs in digital marketing.
• Entrepreneurial growth: Several participants have launched small businesses and are using social media to reach customers.
• Community empowerment: Graduates are sharing their skills with others in their communities, creating a ripple effect of digital literacy.

“I used to feel left out of the digital world, but now I’m managing digital campaigns for a local retail store. This training has opened doors I never thought possible,”
— Jabulani M., participant from Johannesburg

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Next Steps and Expansion Plans

Building on the success of this initial cohort, SayPro and Accenture aim to:

• Expand the program to more cities across South Africa, including Durban, Pretoria, and Port Elizabeth.
• Train 500+ youth over the next two years.
• Launch advanced digital marketing programs, such as E-commerce, Digital Analytics, and Video Marketing.
• Create a sustainable digital marketing academy to provide ongoing training and development for youth across South Africa.

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Get Involved

SayPro invites corporates, nonprofit organizations, and individual donors to support the program in the following ways:

• Sponsor future cohorts
• Provide internship and freelance opportunities for graduates
• Volunteer as mentors or trainers
• Donate equipment, such as laptops or internet data bundles

Conclusion

The partnership between SayPro and Accenture is more than just a digital marketing program; it’s a catalyst for change in South Africa’s urban communities. By providing young people with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age, this initiative is laying the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future for the country.

Overview

In a landmark effort to tackle digital inequality and youth unemployment in South Africa’s underserved regions, South African Youth Projects (SayPro) has partnered with global consulting leader Accenture to deliver Digital Marketing training to 50 young individuals in rural communities. This initiative aims to equip rural youth with the tools, skills, and confidence to participate in the digital economy—whether through employment, freelancing, or entrepreneurship.

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Background and Purpose

Many rural communities across South Africa continue to face limited access to digital education, reliable internet, and job opportunities. As industries increasingly digitize, rural youth risk being left behind due to systemic exclusion and geographical isolation.

Through this partnership, SayPro and Accenture seek to change that by delivering high-impact, skills-based training to youth in rural provinces such as Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.

“Digital marketing is a gateway skill. It’s flexible, creative, and accessible. We want young people in rural areas to realize they can build careers or businesses from anywhere,”
— Neftaly Malatjie, CEO of SayPro

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Program Highlights

This 8-week digital marketing program offers practical training and personal development to help participants:

Learn Key Topics Including:

• Digital Marketing Fundamentals
• Social Media Strategy (Facebook, WhatsApp Business, TikTok)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Google Ads and Meta Ads
• Email Marketing and Campaign Tools
• Basic Web Presence and CMS Tools
• Brand Building and Online Storytelling
• Freelancing and Digital Entrepreneurship

The curriculum emphasizes low-data tools, mobile-friendly learning, and offline learning kits for those with limited internet access.

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Training Delivery Model

SayPro and Accenture have tailored a rural-friendly hybrid delivery model, including:

• On-site workshops at community halls, schools, and NGO centers
• Offline learning packets for students with unreliable connectivity
• Radio broadcasts and pre-recorded lessons in local languages
• Virtual support via WhatsApp, SMS, and mobile platforms
• Mentorship and peer support networks to foster collaboration

Participants are supported with data vouchers, tablets (where possible), and dedicated rural facilitators to assist with training delivery and engagement.

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Participant Selection and Demographics

The program selected 50 rural youth, focusing on:

• Ages 18–35
• Primarily unemployed or underemployed
• Living in rural or peri-urban areas
• Prioritized inclusion of women, youth with disabilities, and those from remote farming communities

Locations include:

• Giyani and Thohoyandou (Limpopo)
• Mount Frere and Lusikisiki (Eastern Cape)
• Bushbuckridge (Mpumalanga)
• Ulundi and Nongoma (KwaZulu-Natal)
• Kuruman and Upington (Northern Cape)

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Objectives and Outcomes

This partnership seeks to:

1. Equip rural youth with marketable digital skills to enable income generation.
2. Break the cycle of rural exclusion by connecting learners to national and global digital markets.
3. Support local businesses and NGOs through the skills of newly trained digital professionals.
4. Build resilient, digitally enabled rural communities.

“We’ve never had this kind of training before. I used to think digital work was only for people in the city. Now I’m building a business Facebook page for our village craft market,”
— Nomvula M., participant from KwaZulu-Natal

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Role of Accenture

As part of its global Skills to Succeed initiative, Accenture:

• Provided curriculum support and training facilitators
• Sponsored tech access (devices, connectivity, and content delivery)
• Connected participants to mentors and industry professionals
• Supported ongoing tracking and evaluation of impact

“We’re focused on creating inclusive digital economies. It’s not enough to reach cities—we must invest in rural talent,”
— Accenture South Africa Representative

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Challenges and Innovations

The project tackled several barriers typical of rural environments:

• Limited connectivity: Offline kits and community-based hubs were used.
• Language barriers: Training materials were adapted into isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, and Xitsonga.
• Transport and access: Local NGOs and schools hosted mobile learning centers.

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Impact and Testimonials

Early outcomes include:

• 75% of learners reporting new income opportunities through freelancing
• 15 small businesses assisted with digital marketing strategies
• High engagement and retention rates, exceeding previous rural programs
• Community digital champions emerging to lead future cohorts

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Sustainability and Next Steps

Encouraged by the success of this first rural cohort, SayPro and Accenture plan to:

• Expand to train 500 more rural youth over the next two years
• Establish rural digital training hubs in each province
• Launch advanced e-commerce and digital business modules
• Provide ongoing access to micro-internships and digital gigs

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How to Support or Get Involved

SayPro is calling on partners to:

• Sponsor equipment or data packages
• Fund additional cohorts in underserved districts
• Offer internships, freelance opportunities, or digital jobs
• Volunteer as trainers, mentors, or evaluators

Conclusion

The partnership between SayPro and Accenture demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive digital education. By taking technology, training, and opportunity into South Africa’s rural heartland, this initiative offers rural youth not just new skills—but a pathway to economic participation, self-reliance, and dignity in the digital age.

Overview

In an effort to bridge South Africa’s digital divide and tackle rampant youth unemployment, South African Youth Projects (SayPro) has partnered with Accenture South Africa to provide Digital Marketing training to 50 young individuals living in underserved township communities. This partnership represents a key milestone in SayPro’s ongoing mission to empower marginalized youth through skills development and career readiness.

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Background and Purpose

South African townships, including areas such as Soweto, Khayelitsha, Tembisa, Mamelodi, Diepsloot, and Mdantsane, are home to millions of young people. Despite their talent and potential, many face systemic challenges: poor access to quality education, high unemployment rates, and limited exposure to the digital economy.

This training initiative is part of Accenture’s global Skills to Succeed program and SayPro’s mission to deliver practical, employment-oriented skills that can change the trajectory of young lives.

“We want to take digital skills where they’re needed most — into the heart of our communities,” said Neftaly Malatjie, CEO of SayPro. “This partnership with Accenture helps us do just that.”

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Program Summary

The Digital Marketing Training Program is a focused, 6- to 8-week initiative designed to equip participants with industry-relevant knowledge, tools, and confidence to succeed in digital roles or run their own online businesses.

Key Modules Include:

• Introduction to Digital Marketing
• Social Media Strategy (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Google Ads & Meta Advertising
• Email Marketing and CRM Tools
• Content Creation & Storytelling
• Digital Branding & Freelancing Basics
• Marketing Analytics and Insights

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Learning Delivery and Format

Training is offered through a hybrid model combining:

• In-person community workshops hosted in township-based centers and schools
• Online learning using SayPro’s virtual platform
• Interactive sessions with Accenture mentors
• Group projects and real-world simulations

Each learner receives:

• A Certificate of Completion
• A Digital Portfolio with their projects
• Ongoing access to SayPro’s mentorship network and online resources

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Participant Profile

The 50 learners selected for the program are:

• Aged 18 to 35
• From township communities across Gauteng, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape
• Predominantly unemployed or underemployed
• Over 60% female, with 10% representing youth with disabilities

Participants were chosen through a transparent application and interview process facilitated by local community coordinators.

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Program Goals and Impact

This program aims to:

1. Equip township youth with in-demand digital skills
2. Improve economic opportunities through employment or self-employment
3. Promote local innovation and entrepreneurship
4. Build sustainable digital ecosystems within townships

“Before this training, I had never used Google Ads. Now I’m running online campaigns for my uncle’s spaza shop,” said Andiswa M., participant from Khayelitsha.

“This program taught me not just how to market, but how to build a brand. I’m launching my own social media consulting service,” shared Lethabo K., from Mamelodi.

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Accenture’s Role and Commitment

Through its Skills to Succeed platform, Accenture supports this initiative by:

• Providing digital training tools and curriculum support
• Offering mentorship through its digital marketing professionals
• Facilitating access to internship and job placements
• Enabling scalability and sustainability of the training model

“This is not charity — this is investment in potential,” said an Accenture SA representative. “We believe township youth can become leaders of Africa’s digital future.”

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Looking Ahead: Scaling the Program

Following the success of this cohort, SayPro and Accenture aim to:

• Expand the program to train 500+ township youth by 2026
• Introduce advanced tracks such as E-commerce Marketing, Data Analytics, and UX Design
• Launch a Township Digital Talent Incubator
• Partner with local SMMEs to provide on-the-job experience

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Call to Action

SayPro invites collaboration from:

• Local businesses seeking to support digital youth
• Nonprofits working on economic inclusion and education
• Donors and corporate sponsors wanting to fund future cohorts
• Volunteers and mentors in the marketing industry

Conclusion

The SayPro–Accenture Digital Marketing training initiative is more than a skills program — it’s a platform for hope, change, and growth in South Africa’s most underserved areas. By unlocking digital potential in townships, this partnership is helping to shape a future where every young South African can participate fully in the digital economy.

Introduction

In a collaborative effort to address the digital skills gap and youth unemployment in South Africa, South African Youth Projects (SayPro) has partnered with Accenture South Africa to deliver Digital Marketing training to 50 young individuals in Johannesburg. This initiative is designed to equip participants with in-demand digital skills, empowering them to thrive in the evolving job market and digital economy.

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About the Partnership

The partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to social impact and sustainable development. SayPro, known for its work in youth empowerment and skills development, joins hands with Accenture under its Skills to Succeed program — a global initiative aiming to skill millions around the world for the future of work.

“We are thrilled to partner with Accenture to bring opportunities to young people in Johannesburg who are eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the economy,” said Neftaly Malatjie, Founder and CEO of SayPro.

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Why Digital Marketing?

The demand for digital marketing professionals is rising globally, especially as businesses shift to online platforms. However, access to quality digital skills training is still limited in many urban communities in South Africa. This program directly addresses that gap by offering:

• Practical, job-ready skills
• Industry-recognized tools and platforms
• Real-world projects and mentorship
• Opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship

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Program Overview

The training covers a comprehensive curriculum, including:

• Introduction to Digital Marketing
• Social Media Marketing (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Google Ads & Meta Ads
• Email Marketing Campaigns
• Content Creation and Blogging
• Basic Website Management (WordPress & CMS tools)
• Analytics and Performance Tracking (Google Analytics, Meta Insights)

The course runs for 8 weeks, combining virtual learning, face-to-face workshops, and practical assignments.

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Participant Profile

The program targets 50 unemployed and underemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 35, drawn from across Johannesburg, including areas such as:

• Soweto
• Hillbrow
• Alexandra
• Braamfontein
• Johannesburg South and CBD

Participants are selected through an open application process, with emphasis on inclusivity, gender balance, and representation of persons with disabilities.

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Learning Experience

Participants benefit from:

• Interactive training modules
• Live sessions with Accenture experts
• Peer collaboration
• Access to SayPro’s online learning platform
• Mentorship and coaching sessions
• Job readiness workshops (interview prep, CV writing, soft skills)

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are linked with job or freelance opportunities through SayPro and Accenture’s partner networks.

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Early Impact and Feedback

Even before completion, many participants report increased confidence and readiness to enter the digital economy.

“Before this training, I had no idea how businesses use social media. Now I’m helping my aunt run her hair salon’s online promotions,”
— Ayanda N., participant from Hillbrow

“I’ve already secured a part-time freelance job managing a company’s Instagram. This training changed my life,”
— Tshepo M., participant from Soweto

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Goals and Broader Impact

The primary goals of the initiative are to:

1. Create pathways to employment and self-employment
2. Improve digital literacy and inclusion
3. Support the growth of small and medium businesses through digital skills
4. Strengthen the economic resilience of Johannesburg communities

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Future Outlook

Following the success of this Johannesburg cohort, SayPro and Accenture plan to:

• Scale the program to train 200+ youth in 2026
• Expand into other cities including Durban, Cape Town, and East London
• Introduce advanced modules (e.g., digital project management, e-commerce, data analytics)
• Establish a Digital Career Support Centre in Johannesburg for ongoing mentorship and job matching

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Get Involved

SayPro welcomes support and collaboration from:

• Corporate sponsors willing to fund additional training cohorts
• Nonprofits and community groups referring potential participants
• Volunteers and mentors willing to contribute expertise

Conclusion

The partnership between SayPro and Accenture represents a meaningful investment in Johannesburg’s youth — equipping them not just with skills, but with hope, opportunity, and a future in the digital economy. This initiative proves that when public purpose and private power align, communities can transform from the inside out.

Introduction

In a powerful initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and digital exclusion, South African Youth Projects (SayPro) has partnered with global consulting giant Accenture to deliver Digital Marketing training to 50 young individuals in Diepsloot, a densely populated township in northern Johannesburg. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to drive socio-economic transformation through education, skills development, and inclusive digital access.

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Why Diepsloot?

Diepsloot is home to over 350,000 residents, many of whom face systemic barriers to education, employment, and digital connectivity. Unemployment, especially among youth, remains critically high. The SayPro–Accenture partnership strategically focuses on Diepsloot as a community where impact can be profound and immediate.

“We chose Diepsloot because it represents both the challenge and opportunity. There is enormous talent here waiting to be unlocked,” says Neftaly Malatjie, CEO of SayPro.

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Program Overview

The Digital Marketing Training Program is a structured, intensive initiative tailored to meet the needs of aspiring young professionals in underserved areas. The curriculum is aligned with current market demands and includes the following components:

• Digital Marketing Fundamentals
• Social Media Strategy (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Google Analytics
• Content Creation and Digital Storytelling
• Google Ads and Meta Ads Campaign Management
• Email Marketing and CRM Tools
• Brand Development and Personal Branding
• Freelancing and Starting a Digital Business

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Learning Approach

The training combines:

• In-person workshops at SayPro’s Diepsloot satellite center
• Online modules and tutorials
• Live mentorship from Accenture digital experts
• Peer collaboration and community projects
• Job readiness coaching (CV building, interview prep, workplace skills)

Graduates of the program receive a Certificate of Completion and access to job placement assistance and internship opportunities.

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Goals and Objectives

The initiative is driven by the following objectives:

1. Create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth in Diepsloot.
2. Empower youth with future-proof digital skills relevant in local and global markets.
3. Close the digital divide by increasing access to tools, knowledge, and networks.
4. Foster innovation and economic inclusion at the grassroots level.

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Participant Profile

The 50 selected participants are:

• Aged between 18 and 35
• Primarily unemployed or underemployed
• Residing in Diepsloot or surrounding areas
• Interested in starting businesses, freelancing, or entering the job market
• 60% female and 10% persons with disabilities, reflecting SayPro’s inclusive recruitment policies

Participants were selected through a community engagement campaign, application process, and interviews conducted by SayPro facilitators.

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Impact and Early Outcomes

Even in the early stages, the impact is tangible:

• Increased digital literacy: Over 80% of participants had no prior formal digital training.
• Job placements and freelance gigs: Several learners have already begun monetizing their skills online.
• Boosted confidence and community leadership: Graduates are now mentoring younger peers in the area.

“Before this program, I had no idea what SEO or content marketing was. Today, I’m running ads for local businesses and making money from home.”
— Lerato S., participant and single mother from Diepsloot

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Accenture’s Role

This training program is part of Accenture’s “Skills to Succeed” initiative, which aims to equip millions globally with skills for employment and entrepreneurship. In South Africa, Accenture focuses on working with local partners like SayPro to reach marginalized communities.

“At Accenture, we are committed to creating equal access to opportunity. Our partnership with SayPro is helping deliver real skills where they’re needed most.”
— Accenture South Africa Representative

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Next Steps and Future Expansion

Building on the success of this pilot in Diepsloot, SayPro and Accenture are exploring:

• Rolling out similar training in Orange Farm, Tembisa, and Khayelitsha
• Launching an advanced digital marketing and data analytics track
• Establishing a Digital Youth Hub in Diepsloot to provide ongoing support and resources
• Scaling the initiative to train 1,000 youth nationally by 2026

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Get Involved or Support

SayPro welcomes additional partners, donors, and volunteers to support this growing movement.

• Corporates can sponsor future cohorts or provide internships
• Nonprofits can refer youth or collaborate on training
• Community members can help spread awareness and support local youth

Conclusion

The partnership between SayPro and Accenture is not just about teaching digital marketing—it’s about building futures. For the young people of Diepsloot, this program is a lifeline to economic opportunity, digital freedom, and a better tomorrow.

Introduction

In a significant move to address youth unemployment and close the digital skills gap in South Africa, the South African Youth Projects (SayPro) has joined forces with Accenture, a global leader in digital and consulting services, to provide comprehensive Digital Marketing training to 50 young individuals in Gauteng. This initiative represents a vital step toward economic empowerment, digital inclusion, and future-proofing the youth of South Africa.

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About the Partnership

The collaboration between SayPro and Accenture is built on a shared vision: equipping young South Africans with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly digitizing economy. This partnership is part of Accenture’s global Skills to Succeed initiative, which aims to prepare millions of people around the world for employment and entrepreneurship through technology-driven learning.

SayPro brings local expertise, community engagement, and proven training methodologies to the project, while Accenture contributes its global resources, digital expertise, and commitment to sustainable impact.

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Program Overview

The Digital Marketing Training Program is a structured, hands-on course designed to equip participants with in-demand skills for the digital economy. The program covers a range of essential topics, including:

• Digital Marketing Fundamentals
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Social Media Marketing and Management
• Content Creation and Strategy
• Email and Mobile Marketing
• Google Ads and Paid Media Campaigns
• Marketing Analytics and Reporting
• Freelancing and Entrepreneurial Guidance

The training is delivered through a combination of virtual classrooms, interactive modules, group projects, and mentorship sessions. Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Achievement endorsed by SayPro and Accenture.

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Program Objectives

The key goals of the program are:

1. To reduce youth unemployment in Gauteng by providing practical, job-ready digital marketing skills.
2. To enhance digital literacy among underserved and unemployed youth.
3. To promote entrepreneurship by equipping participants with the skills to market their own ventures online.
4. To create pathways to employment through Accenture’s partner networks and SayPro’s job readiness programs.

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Participant Selection and Demographics

The 50 individuals selected for this cohort are predominantly unemployed youth aged 18 to 35 from townships and peri-urban areas within Gauteng, including Soweto, Tembisa, Alexandra, and Mamelodi. Participants were selected based on their motivation, potential, and commitment to completing the training.

Special priority was given to women and youth with disabilities, in alignment with SayPro’s commitment to inclusion and equity.

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Impact and Testimonials

This partnership has already begun to show promising outcomes. Early feedback from participants reflects increased confidence, knowledge, and a newfound sense of purpose.

“I never thought I could build a career in digital marketing. Thanks to SayPro and Accenture, I now have the tools and the network to do so.” – Nthabiseng M., Participant from Tembisa

“The training not only taught us marketing skills but also how to think like entrepreneurs. I’ve started freelancing and building my own online brand.” – Thabo K., Participant from Soweto

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Future Plans and Expansion

Encouraged by the success of the Gauteng pilot, SayPro and Accenture are exploring plans to:

• Expand the program to other provinces including KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
• Introduce advanced digital skills training modules such as data analytics, UX/UI design, and digital project management.
• Establish a youth digital hub to support graduates with continued learning, mentorship, and work experience opportunities.
• Scale the initiative to reach at least 1,000 participants by 2026.

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Conclusion

The SayPro–Accenture Digital Marketing Training program stands as a model for impactful, sustainable partnerships aimed at solving real-world challenges. By investing in the potential of young South Africans, this initiative is not only transforming lives but also contributing to a more inclusive and digitally empowered society.

SayPro (South African Youth Projects), a leading nonprofit and internationally recognized training provider, has announced a strategic partnership with global consulting firm Accenture to provide digital marketing training to 50 young South Africans. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bridge the digital skills gap and enhance youth employability in South Africa’s fast-evolving digital economy.

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About SayPro

Founded in 2005 by Neftaly Malatjie, SayPro is an internationally recognized, certified, and accredited company with SETA, Oracle, Microsoft, and other service providers. SayPro offers online training, courses, and consulting services to individuals, non-profit organizations, corporate businesses, government departments, and international institutions. The organization is dedicated to reducing youth unemployment and empowering young South Africans through various initiatives.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud, and security. In South Africa, Accenture’s Skills to Succeed initiative has been instrumental in providing skills development, entrepreneurship, and job opportunities to disadvantaged youth. Through strategic partnerships, Accenture continues to drive economic inclusivity and empower individuals to participate in the digital economy. accenture.com+1accenture.com+1accenture.com

Training Program Details

The digital marketing training program will equip participants with the necessary skills to navigate and succeed in the digital landscape. The curriculum is designed to provide practical knowledge and hands-on experience in various aspects of digital marketing, including social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), content creation, and online advertising. Upon completion, participants will be better positioned to pursue careers in digital marketing or enhance their existing business ventures.

Empowering Through Skills

The training program will focus on key competencies required in today’s digital economy, including:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Social Media Strategy and Management
• Content Marketing
• Email and Mobile Marketing
• Data Analytics for Marketing
• Digital Advertising (Google Ads, Meta platforms)

Participants will also benefit from career readiness support, including mentorship, resume development, and job placement assistance.

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Tackling Youth Unemployment

South Africa faces one of the world’s highest youth unemployment rates. This program is designed to be more than just technical training—it’s about economic empowerment. By equipping participants with in-demand digital skills, SayPro and Accenture are providing pathways to employment, freelancing, and entrepreneurship.

“This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to empower youth with future-ready skills,” said Neftaly Malatjie, CEO of SayPro. “We are excited to work with Accenture to open doors for young people who have the talent but lack the resources.”

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Corporate Social Responsibility in Action

Accenture’s involvement comes through its Skills to Succeed program, which aims to equip millions globally with the skills to get a job or build a business. In South Africa, the initiative is focused on creating inclusive economic growth by supporting disadvantaged communities through training and mentorship.

“At Accenture, we believe that talent and potential are equally distributed—but opportunities are not,” said [Accenture South Africa representative]. “Through our collaboration with SayPro, we aim to change that.”

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Program Outcomes and Future Plans

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a recognized certificate of completion, and top performers will have access to internship or job placement opportunities within Accenture’s network or with partner organizations.

SayPro and Accenture also aim to scale the program in 2026, targeting up to 500 learners across multiple provinces, with a long-term goal of reaching 5,000 individuals by 2030.