Kempton park: The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has signed a landmark agreement with the leading e-commerce business, Takealot Group, to expand youth skills development, bridge education-to-employment gaps, and support workforce growth in South Africa.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, at Takealot Group’s Distribution Centre in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, aims to bridge the gap between education and employment. This will be achieved by offering industry-relevant skills training and e-commerce business opportunities to young people through the Takealot Township Economy Initiative.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Gondwe welcomed the partnership as a significant step in linking students with practical skills training and business platforms. She commented that the MoU aims to provide education and training opportunities for students and involves collaboration with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to support young people through the township economy by listing their businesses on e-commerce platforms.
Takealot Group CEO, Frederik Zietsman, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, which builds on the company’s existing township economy agreements in Mpumalanga and Gauteng. The initiative will be rolled out nationally with clear goals, measurable outcomes, and shared accountability. Zietsman emphasized the company’s commitment to working with the government and other partners to accelerate digital inclusion and leverage e-commerce to improve lives.
The MoU outlines four main focus areas:
1. Adoption of TVET and Community Colleges: Students will gain work-integrated learning opportunities, applying classroom knowledge in real-world logistics, e-commerce, and technology-driven business environments. Takealot will also allocate industry experts to support curriculum development.
2. Expansion of the Takealot Bursary Programme: This will double the reach of the bursary scheme, enabling more students, particularly in high-demand areas like ICT, logistics, and e-commerce retail, to access education.
3. Distribution of Textbooks: Takealot will utilize its logistics and delivery network to ensure timely delivery of textbooks to students across various campuses nationwide.
4. Collaboration with SETAs: Foster collaboration between SETAs and Takealot in supporting township entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises in the digital economy. Takealot’s MrD platform will aid township-owned restaurants and young entrepreneurs in reaching online customers.
A four-member steering committee has been established to oversee the successful implementation of the partnership.