Techways, a leading youth tech empowerment organization, has taken a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in rural South Africa with the launch of its website development program in De Aar. Thanks to the support of Lilitha Solar PV and Lumen Development this program will train 16 unemployed young people in digital and web design. The goal is to equip them with the skills to start their freelance businesses and work with clients locally, nationally and even perhaps around the world.
According to Opensignal’s Mobile Network Experience report, a significant portion of South Africa’s rural population lacks access to digital technologies and opportunities. By providing young people with in-demand skills like website development, Techways is empowering them to become digital entrepreneurs and contribute to the economic growth of their community.
The launch event showcased the impressive progress made by the program’s inaugural cohort of sixteen 18-28-year-olds, who have already developed six professional-quality websites in just nine days. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the potential of young people to become skilled digital innovators.
“It has been amazing to see the pride and confidence amongst these youth, even surprise at their ability to create 6 stunning websites in less than 9 days,” said Joanne Brink from TechWays.
“By equipping young people with the tools to create and maintain websites, Techways is not only empowering individuals but also fostering a more digitally inclusive De Aar,” says Baxole Lentloko, the programme facilitator. The ability to establish an online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes, and the program’s graduates will be well-positioned to meet this growing demand.
“I was sceptical of many programs, but the difference with Techways is that they are not promising me a job but giving us the opportunities to create our own,” said Latitha Valencia, a student on the programme.
Techways and Lilitha Solar PV through its advisory partner Lumen Development Services are committed to creating sustainable pathways to employment for young people in the Northern Cape. The organizations plan to expand its website development program to other rural communities in the region, bringing the benefits of digital literacy and entrepreneurship to more young people.
About Techways: Techways is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people through technology. By providing access to training and mentorship, Techways helps individuals develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the digital age.
Contact Joanne Brink – CEO – joanne@techways.online – 0727285877
About Lumen Development: Lumen Development Services is a black-owned company based in the Northern Cape delivering developmental services to corporate clients in the Mining and Renewable Energy sectors. Its primary focus is to help companies maximize outcomes in respect of their obligations to Socio-Economic and Enterprise Development.
Contact Abner de Wagenaar – abner@lumendev.co.za
About Lilitha Solar PV: Lilitha Solar meaning ‘Ray of Light’, is named for its African origins and the region’s rich resource of sun.
This 75MW project is situated in the heart of South Africa’s renewable energy generation, in De Aar, Northern Cape Province.
Situated in the Pixley ka Seme District (Emthanjeni Municipality), Lilitha supplies the country’s national utility with an estimated 183 GWh of electricity each year, in addition to supporting the four local beneficiary communities through its numerous economic development programmes.