In a bold step to bridge South Africa’s digital divide, TechWays Foundation, in partnership with the Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation, is bringing its Rural Youth Web Development and Freelancing Programme to Colesberg in 2026. The six-month, full-time initiative aims to equip unemployed youth with marketable digital skills, opening pathways to income through web development, graphic design and freelancing.
While venues are still being finalised, the Kuyasa Library, located near the target community, is under consideration as the primary training hub.
Building Digital Opportunity in Rural Towns
TechWays Foundation is a registered non-profit and Public Benefit Organisation (Section 18A) and a Level 1 BBBEE contributor. The organisation is dedicated to equipping educators and youth particularly in under-resourced and historically disadvantaged communities, with practical, future-ready technology skills.
The foundation has a proven track record, having successfully implemented similar programmes in De Aar, Vredenburg, Saldanha and Victoria West. Participants in these towns have completed real client projects, generated income as freelancers and some have even progressed to become facilitators themselves, spreading digital skills to new regions.
“This programme is a powerful opportunity for Colesberg’s youth to create their own income
through digital skills,” said Megan de Villiers, Head of Marketing and Programmes at TechWays.
TechWays Youth Pathways Project Manager, Enrico Cornelius has seen how local support
leads to the success of the programme.
“With the right support from the community, this initiative can have a lasting impact for Colesberg,” he said.
Over the past three years, the Foundation has worked extensively with under-resourced schools and rural youth, establishing a strong reputation in digital skills development and education innovation across South Africa.
Programme Structure and Cohorts
Two six-month cohorts will run in Colesberg during 2026:
- Cohort 1: 3 February – 31 July
- Cohort 2: 1 July – 9 December
Each cohort will accommodate 25–30 learners, who will receive hands-on training in:
- Web development and digital literacy
- UX and graphic design
- Freelancing skills and client management
- Building and managing a freelance business
- Working on real client projects
By the programme’s conclusion, participants must secure a paying client, ensuring immediate real-world earning opportunities. Successful graduates will also receive laptops and join the TechWays alumni network, gaining access to ongoing support, mentorship and future opportunities.
Eligibility and Commitment
The programme is free, but applicants must be:
- Unemployed youth aged 18–30
- Able to commit full-time for six months with at least 80% weekday attendance
- Residing near the training venue
- Prepared to participate in January 2026 interviews
No stipend is provided, making dedication and motivation critical.
Community Backing Fuels Impact
Local support has been instrumental in bringing the programme to Colesberg. Bianca Kenmuir of Karoo Lighthouse, whose involvement helped secure community backing, said:
“I was excited to hear about the TechWays programme coming to Colesberg. It brings much-needed tech skills into our community and gives young people the chance to create their own paths to income. I’m grateful to be able to support the programme by helping to secure a venue, spread the word locally, and engage with local government representatives. This is exactly the kind of opportunity our youth need.”
Umsobomvu Local Municipality has also endorsed the initiative, offering assistance to integrate the programme into the community. TechWays encourages local businesses, organisations and residents to support the initiative by sharing programme information, encouraging youth applications, attending market days and hiring the new wave of freelancers to build websites and digital content.
A Window to the Global Digital Economy
This initiative comes amid growing global recognition of digital skills as a catalyst for economic development. Across Africa, youth unemployment remains high, estimated at 14.5% continent-wide yet the digital economy offers a rapidly expanding pathway to income and entrepreneurship.
Freelancing platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr have enabled talented African youth to connect with clients worldwide, while international demand for digital skills continues to surge. By equipping rural youth with these capabilities, programmes like TechWays are unlocking both local and global opportunities.
Youth interested in the programme should submit their applications online. Apply here: https://url-shortener.me/40NA.
Applications will be reviewed, followed by interviews, with limited spaces available.
As Africa looks to nurture its next generation of digital entrepreneurs, initiatives like TechWays’ Colesberg programme offer a tangible blueprint equipping youth not only with skills but with the confidence and real-world experience to compete in a global economy.
