GEORGE, South Africa – On Tuesday, May 21, 2025, the GRIT Hub Student Chapter at Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus, in partnership with MTN South Africa, hosted an engaging on-campus activation event, successfully registering over 150 students onto the MTN Skills Academy platform. This impactful initiative represents a vital step toward bridging the digital divide and equipping young people in the Garden Route region with essential digital skills for today’s economy.

Empowering Through Education

The MTN Skills Academy is a free, accessible online learning platform offering high-quality training in critical areas such as coding, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Developed in collaboration with leading partners like Coursera and PACE Career Centre, the platform is designed for inclusivity, featuring low-data usage to ensure access in areas with limited connectivity and accommodations for differently-abled individuals. These features make it a powerful tool for expanding educational opportunities and fostering economic inclusion.

The activation event at Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus was a lively success, with interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and hands-on support to guide students through the registration process and introduce them to the platform’s offerings. This initiative aligns with MTN South Africa’s mission to empower communities through digital transformation and education.

A Collaborative Success

The event was supported by several university organizations, including the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP), Dialogue@Mandela, and The Student Business Hub. These groups played a pivotal role in mobilizing students and creating an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship. Their involvement underscores the collaborative spirit at Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus, where student-led initiatives and corporate partnerships unite to create meaningful opportunities.

Our mission is to empower youth and small businesses in the Garden Route with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the digital economy. Collaborations like this with MTN South Africa are essential to achieving that vision. By providing access to cutting-edge skills training, we’re helping students unlock their potential and prepare for the future.

Driving Impact and Opportunity

The registration of over 150 students during the activation is a significant milestone in building a digitally literate and empowered youth population in the region. The MTN Skills Academy’s courses are practical and relevant, offering certifications that enhance employability and entrepreneurial opportunities. For students at Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus, many of whom come from underserved communities, this initiative opens doors to industries increasingly shaped by technology.

The event also highlighted the broader mission of the GRIT Hub Student Chapter, which focuses on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion. Through partnerships with organizations like MTN, GRIT Hub is building a sustainable ecosystem where students can access resources, mentorship, and networks to support their academic and professional growth.