Engen celebrated 20 young South Durban Basin residents who successfully completed ICT qualifications through the Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP) at a graduation ceremony held in Jacobs, Durban on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The ceremony marked the culmination of a 12-month ICT skills development programme aimed at equipping unemployed youth from surrounding communities with in-demand digital and technical skills.

The graduates, who come from communities including Umlazi, Wentworth, Lamontville and Merebank, completed nationally recognised qualifications in IT Technical Support (NQF Level 4) and IT Systems Development (NQF Level 5). The programme combines classroom-based learning with extensive workplace-based training, ensuring that learners gain practical, real-world experience in ICT environments.

“Through the Global Citizen Development Programme, we aim to equip young people with the skills, confidence and workplace exposure needed to pursue meaningful careers in the ICT sector,” said Olwethu Mdabula, Engen CSI Manager.

“The success of these graduates demonstrates the power of investing in education and skills development to unlock opportunities for youth in our neighbouring communities.”

Engen’s skills development and learnership programme is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth and supporting local communities by offering accredited qualifications and hands-on learning experiences aimed at enhancing career prospects.

Engen Skills Development Facilitator, Pontsho Matshediso stressed the importance of industry-aligned training in ICT, stating: “The digital economy is evolving rapidly, and equipping young people with future-fit skills is essential. Through the EGCDP, we ensure that our graduates gain both technical expertise and real-world experience, positioning them for success in a competitive job market.”

Launched in 2023, the Engen Global Citizen Development Programme forms part of Engen’s broader commitment to youth empowerment and community development. The initiative focuses on bridging the gap between skills development and economic participation by equipping unemployed youth with industry-relevant ICT capabilities and pathways into employment, entrepreneurship and further education.

A key feature of the programme is its strong work-integrated learning model, with learners gaining hands-on workplace experience through host companies and industry partners. Approximately 70% of the training takes place through workplace-based practical exposure, allowing participants to apply their learning in real ICT environments including technical support, systems development, IT troubleshooting and digital operations.

Thando Husha, Client Relationships Manager from Dlama SS Investment Holdings said: “Today’s graduation is a proud moment for these learners and a reflection of the dedication and hard work they have shown throughout the programme. It’s inspiring to see how they have grown in confidence and capability, and we are proud to have supported their journey by equipping them with the skills and guidance needed to succeed in the ICT industry.”

The programme has already demonstrated encouraging employment outcomes. From the initial cohort, 30% of graduates secured permanent employment opportunities, with 22% retained in permanent employment, while 37% progressed to further studies and 7% launched small technology enterprises following completion of their training.

In addition, 33% of graduates remain in an active employment placement pipeline, supported through ongoing employer engagement and a post-training graduate database that connects participants with potential employers across the ICT sector.

Industry partnerships have been central to creating these opportunities, with organisations including MTN, Nobztech, Broaden Defined, Vex Volt, Chilidzi Tech, Dr M Brands and Girl Boss supporting workplace exposure, mentorship, enterprise development and potential employment pathways for graduates.

Building on the success of the pilot programme in Durban, the initiative has expanded its footprint, with 31 learners currently enrolled across KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo as part of the 2025/2026 programme cycle.

Encouragingly, 25% of learners from the current cohort have already been identified for potential full-time employment through host companies providing workplace-based training, demonstrating the programme’s growing success in transitioning young people from skills development into sustainable economic participation.

Graduates celebrated the milestone alongside family members, community stakeholders, training partners and Engen representatives.

The initiative aligns with Engen’s support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Engen congratulates the graduates on reaching this important milestone and wishes them success as they pursue careers in the ICT sector and contribute to South Africa’s growing digital economy.