South African youth face one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, but digital skills are opening new doors. MTN South Africa, in partnership with Datacomb Consulting and SA Youth, is tackling this challenge through the MTN Skills Academy. The programme offers free online digital skills courses and the chance to win a tablet simply by learning.
Why Digital Skills Matter in South Africa
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is transforming every industry, from banking and retail to health and tourism.Employers now expect candidates to be digitally literate, comfortable with online tools, and ready to adapt quickly. Unfortunately, many young South Africans lack affordable access to training opportunities.
This is where the MTN Skills Academy steps in. By making courses free of charge, the initiative removes financial barriers and ensures more youth can participate in the growing digital economy.
What the MTN Skills Academy Offers
The Skills Academy is more than just a training programme. It is designed to provide practical, flexible, and career-driven learning for young people seeking opportunities in tech and related fields.
Here is what you can expect:
Free access to courses: Learn at no cost, covering topics like digital marketing, IT basics, coding, communication, and more.
Flexible learning: Study at your own pace, whether at home, a library, or a community centre.
Career-oriented skills: Focused on giving you the abilities employers are actively looking for.
Tablet giveaway: Complete more courses and increase your chance to win a tablet to support your studies.
How the Tablet Giveaway Works
The giveaway adds excitement to your learning journey. To qualify, you need to:
Sign up & register via SA Youth.
Choose and complete free courses offered during September, October, and November 2025.
Email your proof of completion (certificate or screenshot) to admin1@datacomb.co.za.
Winners will be selected monthly, starting end-September, based on the most courses completed.
The closing date for all entries is 30 November 2025.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to all South African youth, but is especially aimed at young black South Africans aged 18–30 who are looking to upskill, find work, or explore career changes. Whether you finished matric, are in university, or are currently unemployed, you qualify to register and take advantage of these free opportunities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Register
Visit the official registration link: https://sayouth.me/4gIW0A4.
Create an account on SA Youth mobi if you are new to the platform.
Search for MTN Skills Academy opportunities and enrol in as many courses as you want.
Complete the courses, download your certificates, and email them as proof.
Stay active — the more you learn, the better your chance of winning a tablet.
Key Dates to Remember
Programme Start: September 2025.
Monthly Winner Announcements: End of September, October, and November 2025.
Final Closing Date: 30 November 2025.
Why This Matters for Youth Empowerment
South Africa’s youth unemployment rate stood at over 43% in 2025, according to Statistics South Africa. Programmes like the MTN Skills Academy are designed to bridge the gap between traditional education and the fast-changing demands of the job market.
By completing these courses, you:
Build marketable skills employers are seeking.
Gain confidence in navigating digital platforms.
Expand your career opportunities across multiple industries.
Join a growing network of ambitious youth working to uplift themselves and their communities.
Support and Assistance
If you encounter problems while registering or completing your courses, support is available:
Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 72 72 72 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 4:30pm).
Email Queries: admin1@datacomb.co.za.
SA Youth mobi: Regularly log in to sayouth.mobi to check for more career opportunities.
How This Initiative Builds South Africa’s Future
The MTN Skills Academy is not only a training opportunity but a movement toward digital inclusion. By providing free education and incentives, MTN and Datacomb Consulting are showing commitment to youth empowerment, reducing inequality, and creating pathways to meaningful employment.
South Africa needs digitally skilled young leaders to transform industries, support businesses, and shape the economy. The Academy is a stepping stone for young people to gain knowledge, win resources, and grow into the innovators of tomorrow.
Also check: Student Enrolment Outreach Campaign
If you are between 18 and 30, there has never been a better time to invest in your future. The MTN Skills Academy, in partnership with Datacomb Consulting and SA Youth, is giving you the chance to learn valuable digital skills for free and win a tablet to support your studies.
Don’t wait — register today, complete as many courses as you can, and take your career to the next level