MTN and RLabs Launch 12-Month Youth Digital Skills Initiative in Western Cape

MTN South Africa,  in partnership with RLabs,  has launched a 12-month youth-focused initiative aimed at accelerating digital skills development, youth empowerment, and community upliftment in the Western Cape. Kicking off with a two-day Youth Expo running from 6-7 March and will be held quarterly to maximise long-term impact.

The Expo forms part of MTN’s commitment to enabling digital and economic participation for young people through training programmes, entrepreneurship support, and financial inclusion initiatives driven through MTN Pulse, MTN MoMo and RLabs platforms.

The programme offers access to scholarships, entrepreneurial training, networking, and partner-led courses. Participants will also benefit from workshops, mentoring, career guidance, and registration support for MTN Pulse and RLabs programmes.

“As MTN, we pride ourselves on our community and youth development efforts and are excited for this year’s Expo. Our partnership with RLabs reinforces our commitment to social impact and enabling young people by giving them access to opportunities that are often out of reach. With this initiative, we are driving hope, dignity, and meaningful opportunities for youth in the Western Cape.”

– Noluthando Pama, Regional General Manager, MTN Western Cape

The initiative targets youth aged 18–35, aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs, community leaders, and NGOs – supporting MTN’s ongoing effort to uplift underserved communities in the region. Registration is fully digital and completed on-site, enabling incentive draws, MTN Pulse enrolment, and long-term participant tracking.

“At RLabs, we believe that youth deserve access, and this partnership with MTN strengthens that mission. Our goal is to put young people first by creating platforms that inspire purpose. We encourage youth to show up, connect, and make use of opportunities designed to change their futures.”

– Andrea De Wet, Chief of Youth, RLabs

The Expo will feature a range of activities designed to support and empower young people. There will be daily incentives at the expo, and attendees will also have access to career guidance and counselling, CV and interview preparation support, learner’s licence preparation, and referrals into MTN and RLabs development programmes.

MTN will further showcase opportunities, including the MTN Skills Academy, Digital Skills for Digital Jobs, and the Digital Box, as well as NEET skills training programmes to prepare young people for employment and entrepreneurship.

“The Youth Expo in Mitchell’s Plain, made possible through the partnership between MTN and RLABS, and supported by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, is exactly the kind of collaboration we need. By bringing technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development directly into the heart of the community, we are opening doors for young people to see what is possible. Government cannot do this work alone. When the private sector and community organisations step forward, we create real pathways for hope, growth and economic participation. Our message to the young people of Mitchell’s Plain is simple: your future matters, your talent matters, and we are committed to ensuring you have access to the tools and opportunities to succeed.”

– Ricardo Mackenzie, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Western Cape