Takealot, the leading e-commerce company in South Africa, has partnered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to launch a pilot digital skills initiative across three technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges. Officially announced on Wednesday, this programme seeks to modernize educational content to better reflect the evolving demands of the digital economy.
South Africa’s higher education system has frequently been criticized for graduating students whose abilities do not align with labor market requirements. With youth unemployment soaring at 46% and over half of TVET graduates struggling to secure employment, the collaboration between Takealot and DHET represents a strategic effort to integrate industry expertise into vocational education. The initiative aims to equip students with competencies relevant to careers in e-commerce, supply chain management, and digital business ventures.
The pilot will involve one TVET college each in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, strategically located near Takealot’s distribution centers. Participating students will benefit from updated course materials, guidance from Takealot professionals, and practical work experience within the company’s operations.
“Our objective is to create a seamless transition for learners from education to work-integrated learning opportunities within our facilities,” explained Tshepo Marumule, Takealot Group’s head of policy and external affairs, in an interview with TechCabal.
Currently employing over 6,500 individuals with plans for expansion, Takealot’s CEO Frederik Zietsman emphasized that growing the e-commerce sector requires more than just physical infrastructure-it demands a workforce skilled in emerging technologies and adaptable to future trends.
“As artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshape industries, it’s crucial that South African youth are empowered to convert their education into sustainable income,” Zietsman stated. “There is a widening gap between the skills available and those demanded by the market.”
Expanding the Digital Skills Vision
This TVET-focused programme is one component of a broader partnership encompassing four key projects. Additional efforts include leveraging Takealot’s logistics network to improve textbook distribution, expanding its bursary offerings, and supporting township-based manufacturers and eateries with digital tools to enhance their operations.
“Considering the magnitude of youth unemployment in South Africa, TVET colleges are vital collaborators in creating viable employment pathways,” Marumule remarked. “By connecting graduates with opportunities in e-commerce, logistics, and digital entrepreneurship, this partnership aims to transform training into meaningful, long-term employment.”
For Takealot, this alliance is a strategic move to cultivate a steady stream of digitally proficient talent and local suppliers in a market where such skills are scarce. Meanwhile, the government views it as a chance to revamp vocational education and directly link it to emerging job markets within the digital economy.
Deputy Minister of DHET, Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, acknowledged the systemic challenges faced by post-secondary education in South Africa. “Many young people find it difficult to bridge the gap between education and employment, and our TVET colleges bear the responsibility of addressing this,” she said.
“Simultaneously, the economy is undergoing transformation, with e-commerce, logistics, and technology-driven services redefining how we live and work,” Dr. Gondwe added. “The critical question is how to equip our youth not only to adapt but to lead and innovate. This partnership offers a promising path forward.”
The rollout will proceed in three stages: updating curricula, providing mentorship, and facilitating job placements. By synchronizing education with market realities, Takealot and DHET aspire to develop a workforce of TVET graduates ready to thrive in South Africa’s digital landscape.
“Our collaboration with TVET colleges focuses on delivering skills that are directly applicable in the industry,” Marumule emphasized. “Through curriculum enhancement, mentorship, and hands-on learning at our distribution centers, we aim to prepare young people to enter the digital economy confidently.”
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