The Harry Gwala Development Agency (Pty) Ltd (HGDA), in partnership with the Moses Kotane Institute (MKI), embarked on an initiative aimed at promoting enterprise development through empowering communities with relevant technical skills. As part of this drive, a specialized skills training programmed in Mobile Cellular Phone and Tablet Repairs was introduced to provide opportunities for self-employment and work placement within the digital space.

The Agency appointed a skills training provider to facilitate this programme, ensuring that participants were not only trained but also equipped with essential tools of trade, including training and repair kits. This holistic approach was designed to enable learners to establish and operate their own local repair shops or micro-enterprises upon completion. To ensure quality and credibility, the training was MICT SETA accredited and combined both theoretical and practical learning. A call for applications was advertised over a three-week period, generating strong interest with 57 applications received from across the district. After a thorough shortlisting process, 20 candidates were considered, and ultimately 12 learners were selected to undergo the three-week (15-day) training programme.

The programme commenced in January 2025, and all participants successfully completed the training. Following assessment and moderation by the MICT SETA, each learner was awarded a Technical Skills Level 4 qualification, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards self-reliance and entrepreneurship in the digital repair industry. This initiative illustrates HGDA’s commitment to building sustainable livelihoods by equipping unemployed youth with practical, market-driven skills that directly contribute to local economic development.