DHET, Takealot Forge Landmark Skills Partnership to Empower South African Youth

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with South Africa’s largest e-commerce company, Takealot Group, in a bid to fast-track youth skills development, close the education-to-employment gap, and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

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, marks a significant milestone in aligning the country’s education system with industry needs.

Bridging Education and Employment Gaps

Deputy Minister Gondwe welcomed the collaboration, highlighting its potential to link classroom learning with real-world business opportunities. “The MoU aims to provide education and training opportunities for students. It also involves bringing Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) on board to support young people through the township economy and by listing their businesses on e-commerce platforms. This agreement is one of five secured by my office so far,” she said.

The initiative is specifically designed to empower students and township-based entrepreneurs, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital economy.

Takealot’s Commitment to Inclusive Growth

Takealot Group CEO Frederik Zietsman described the agreement as an extension of the company’s township economy programmes in Mpumalanga and Gauteng, now set for national rollout. “As a homegrown South African e-commerce business, we are putting our platform, logistics, and expertise to work alongside DHET’s priority areas and SETAs’ support to accelerate skills development, job creation, and drive inclusive economic growth,” Zietsman said.

He added that the company is committed to accelerating digital inclusion and using e-commerce to transform lives.

Four Key Focus Areas of the MoU

The agreement outlines four core areas of collaboration that will shape its impact:

1. Adoption of TVET and community colleges: Students will gain work-integrated learning opportunities with Takealot, applying classroom knowledge to logistics, e-commerce, and technology-driven business settings. Industry experts from Takealot will also assist in curriculum development, ensuring relevance to modern workforce demands.

2. Expansion of the Takealot Bursary Programme: The bursary scheme will double in reach, particularly targeting students in high-demand skills areas such as ICT, logistics, and e-commerce retail. This expansion is expected to significantly broaden access to quality education.

3. Textbook distribution to campuses: Leveraging its nationwide logistics network, Takealot will ensure the timely delivery of textbooks and academic materials to students across universities and colleges. This will reduce barriers to learning and improve efficiency in the academic sector.

4. Collaboration with SETAs to support the township economy: The initiative will support township entrepreneurs and small businesses in entering the digital economy. Takealot’s MrD platform will also empower township-owned restaurants and youth-led enterprises by connecting them to online customers and boosting market visibility.

Oversight and Accountability

To ensure effective implementation, a four-member steering committee has been set up. This body will track progress, measure outcomes, and ensure accountability across all areas of the MoU.

Driving Digital Inclusion and Youth Empowerment

The partnership between DHET and Takealot is being described as a model of public-private collaboration that aligns education with industry growth while tackling unemployment and inequality. It not only provides immediate opportunities for students but also lays the foundation for sustainable economic participation in the digital era.

With this agreement, South Africa’s youth stand to benefit from enhanced access to training, bursaries, and entrepreneurial opportunities—positioning them as active players in shaping the future economy.