CAPACITI launched its Impact@Source model in 2024, which was built to extend access to sustainable job creation in rural areas.
South Africa does not need another report on youth unemployment. It needs clear evidence that a different outcome is possible. That evidence already exists.
Rethinking the Story Behind the Numbers
Each quarter, unemployment figures dominate headlines. Discussions follow, new frameworks are proposed and reports are produced, yet the cycle repeats with little change. The conversation often centres on what is not working, reinforcing the idea that young South Africans are unemployable.
The reality is different. The challenge is not a lack of potential, but a lack of the right systems to unlock it.
CAPACITI, the skills development division of the UVU Africa Group, has spent more than a decade addressing this gap. Through a proven and scalable model, it is enabling young people to access meaningful opportunities in the digital economy.
A Model Designed for Growth
What began as a focused initiative in Cape Town, aimed at connecting matriculants to the city’s growing tech sector, has expanded into a national network. CAPACITI now operates in Johannesburg, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal as well, reaching urban and underserved communities. Through a partnership with Création Africa, CAPACITI now also has a footprint in Lesotho and Malawi.
CAPACITI launched its Impact@Source model in 2024, which was built to extend access to sustainable job creation in rural areas. This model is designed to be replicable and funder ready and ensures that young people in rural areas have the same access to digital careers as those in major cities.
This approach has attracted strong support from partners such as J.P. Morgan, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and the National Treasury’s Jobs Fund.
Training Aligned with Industry Needs
CAPACITI delivers training in key digital fields including software development, data science, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Programmes are developed in collaboration with industry partners and delivered by experienced professionals, ensuring that candidates are equipped with relevant and current skills.
The technical training is supported by a strong focus on workplace readiness. Communication, collaboration, problem solving and adaptability are integrated throughout each programme. These capabilities are essential for long term success and often determine how well individuals transition into professional environments.
As CAPACITI graduate Koketso Motsikwe explains, “Joining CAPACITI gave me the opportunity to start my career with the right support. The mentors and industry experts helped bridge the gap between education and employment.”
From Learning to Employment
CAPACITI functions as a career launchpad rather than a traditional training programme. Participants gain hands-on experience through real world projects, build professional portfolios and access internships and job placements through partnerships with leading companies such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Accenture, Sanlam and Old Mutual.
Each candidate is supported by a talent development coach and has access to mental wellness resources, ensuring they are prepared professionally and personally for the transition into the workplace.
For employers, this results in a pipeline of highly capable, work-ready talent that can contribute to business success from the outset.
South Africa cannot afford to remain in a cycle of discussion without action. CAPACITI demonstrates what is possible when training, industry and opportunity are aligned.
For more on how CAPACITI is operating at scale and tackling youth unemployment, read the full article on ITWeb.
