Mzansi Digital Learning: Empowering South Africa with Free Digital Skills Courses
Mzansi Digital Learning provides free, data-free online courses in digital skills, empowering South Africans with certifications for future careers.
The Gauteng Department of e-Government has partnered with Afrika Tikkun, Microsoft SA, Vodacom and Maponya Mall to provide a digital learning platform where Gauteng residents can log in and access free courses. This initiative is called Mzansi Digital Learning, a pioneering initiative that provides free access to industry-recognized digital skills training and certification.
This program is designed to equip individuals with essential skills for the evolving digital economy, opening new pathways for employment and career advancement. With a focus on technology and digital literacy, Mzansi Digital Learning offers over 30 free online courses covering key areas such as cybersecurity, generative AI, data analytics, business analysis, and sustainability in technology.
The program ensures data-free access to learning content, making it widely accessible to South Africans eager to upskill in the tech industry.
To help users navigate the platform effectively, an AI Skills Navigator has been introduced. This AI-powered tool assesses users’ current skills and guides them to relevant courses based on their chosen industry or sector. The AI Skills Navigator takes users through a survey, asking about their industry of interest or employment status. They then self-assess their digital competencies on a scale of 1 (not competent) to 5 (highly competent). Based on their responses, the tool generates a personalized report and recommends suitable courses to enhance their skills. Users can explore the AI Skills Navigator here: https://www.mzansidigitallearning.co.za/page1.html.
Key Features of the Initiative:
- Free online courses with certifications upon completion
- Flexible, self-paced learning accessible via smartphone, tablet, or laptop
- Industry-aligned training in high-demand fields, including:
- System Administration
- Business Analysis
- Project Management
- Software Development
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Literacy
- Generative AI
As part of the learning journey, users are encouraged to prioritize Career Essentials in Generative. AI, which is recommended as the first course to help learners gain foundational AI knowledge. The program is open to individuals aged 14 to 50+, proficient in English, and eager to develop their digital skills. Participants need stable internet access, a smart device or laptop, an email address, and a LinkedIn profile to enrol in online courses.
How to Enrol
Interested individuals can register by visiting www.mzansidigitallearning.co.za and selecting eGovernment Youth in the “How did you find out about Mzansi Digital Learning” section. The courses are available from January to December 2025, with a digital certificate awarded upon successful completion.
