Gauteng Department of e-Government in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, GPG, and 5 Gauteng TVET colleges hosted a graduation ceremony for 124 students who completed the Introduction to Digital Technologies 4IR Skills Development Programme and SMME Training this morning on September the 22nd, 2023, at the University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Campus. This initiative serves as a testament to the achievements of numerous young, black individuals from townships within the Gauteng Province who have successfully completed this transformative program.
The collaboration between the University of Johannesburg and the participating TVET colleges, namely Ekurhuleni West College, South West Gauteng College, Tshwane North Colleges, Sedibeng TVET, and Western TVET College was blessed with the presence of Corporate Management Deputy Director General Ms. Phelokazi and ICTSS Deputy Director General Mr. Castro Musina with a shared commitment to empower the disadvantaged youth of Gauteng with the essential skills required to flourish in the digital age.
The idea is to provide the Gauteng youth with the right opportunities to develop their small businesses, be on the competitive edge for employment, and upskill them with relevant skills and knowledge as digital ambassadors in this digital era as part of youth development. Moreover, the program has placed a significant emphasis on fostering entrepreneurship and providing crucial support to Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the province, thereby contributing to economic growth and development.
"To all the graduates today, i wish you all the best with your future's endeavors. I hope wherever you go, you will be great government ambassadors, appreciating the opportunities received to improve your lives and never forget where you come from". Ms. Ntanjana gave words of advise to the graduates.
 Mr. Musina also acknowledged  and emphasised that e-Government  department is the leading agent to modernize and digitizing  the Gauteng city region. He said. " This is why the ICT skills development is imperative for the department directly because it directly goes hand in hand with digital transformation. This means as we digitize, we want to make sure that no one is left behind"
Nkosinathi Ngema who is a beneficiary emphasized that the department and University of Johannesburg's collabo with colleges is the best thing ever happened to him, " i come from a disadvantaged background and i am going to run with this opportunity, thank you so much for this initiative, i wish that you continue helping and developing other communities" he added.