Where does ICT skills development fit into solving South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis? The DaVinci Institute alumnus, Siviwe Kase’s Dissertation (2022) study explored that South Africa faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates globally, with over 60% of jobseekers between ages 15 and 24 unable to find work. Despite numerous government-led interventions, such as learnerships, youth entrepreneurship, and service programmes, these efforts have not meaningfully reduced the unemployment crisis. The disconnect between training and labour market needs remains a key obstacle.
The COVID-19 pandemic further deepened this challenge, shrinking the economy and exposing the country’s dependence on low-skill sectors. Consequently, the urgent need for coordinated investment in digital and ICT-related skills has become a national priority.
Purpose of the Study
Kase’s research investigated the role of the private sector in promoting ICT skills development for youth employment, focusing on learnership programmes under the Media, Information, Communication and Technology Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA). The study specifically explored Gauteng-based ICT firms, training providers, and learners to understand how private-sector-led learnerships can bridge South Africa’s digital skills gap.
The central question is: What is the current state of the ICT learnership system, and what factors affect its effective implementation?
Methodology: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Using a pragmatic mixed-method design, Kase combined qualitative interviews (with ICT companies, MICT SETA officials, and training providers) and quantitative surveys (from learners completing ICT learnerships). This approach enabled a comprehensive analysis of stakeholder experiences, programme outcomes, and systemic challenges.
Key Findings
Low Employer Participation and Satisfaction:
Many ICT employers expressed dissatisfaction with the current learnership system, citing poor support, lack of accountability, and corruption within SETAs. However, most still regarded learnerships as a valuable mechanism for developing industry-ready talent.
Systemic Barriers:
Challenges include mismanagement of skills levies, weak monitoring systems, and learners enrolling in multiple programmes mainly for stipends rather than long-term employment outcomes.
Youth Experience:
Learners valued the practical experience gained through ICT learnerships but expressed frustration over inconsistent programme quality, limited job placement opportunities, and inadequate mentorship.
Impact of the Private Sector:
Despite limited scale, private companies that actively engaged in skills development saw tangible benefits, such as improved productivity, innovation, and employee retention—showing the business case for sustained participation.
Theoretical Contribution and Framework
The study applies The Da Vinci Institute’s TIPS Framework (Technology, Innovation, People, and Systems) to illustrate how integrated management of these four domains enhances organisational agility, alignment, and engagement. Kase argues that applying such models within ICT learnerships could improve coordination and innovation across the skills ecosystem.
Recommendations: ICT Skills Development
- Reform the SETA system to improve governance, accountability, and transparency.
- Create a collaborative model between government, SETAs, and the private sector to ensure learnerships are responsive to industry needs.
- Incentivise private sector participation through tax benefits, innovation grants, and recognition frameworks.
- Implement better monitoring and evaluation to track learner outcomes and programme impact.
- Promote long-term partnerships between employers and training institutions to ensure continuous upskilling aligned with digital transformation trends.
Building a Digital-Ready Workforce
The study concluded that the private sector is critical to unlocking youth employment through ICT skills development, but its potential remains underutilised due to structural inefficiencies. Strengthening collaboration, improving implementation, and aligning learnerships with industry demand could transform South Africa’s digital economy and meaningfully reduce youth unemployment.
The research not only contributed to academic discourse but also offered a roadmap for policy and practice, calling for a renewed public–private partnership model that empowers young South Africans with the skills needed for the F
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