Partnership Established: WeThinkCode with South Cape TVET College for the Introduction of Rural Software Engineering Initiative
WeThinkCode_ and South Cape TVET College Partner to Expand Tech Education in Rural South Africa
WeThinkCode_ and South Cape TVET College have joined forces to create a scalable and replicable model for software engineering education in rural South Africa. This initiative, supported by the DG Murray Trust and the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing high-quality tech training outside urban centers.
The partnership kicks off with a cohort of 30 students at the Hessequa Campus in Riversdale, who will embark on an 18-month software engineering program. This program offers the same curriculum as WeThinkCode's other campuses, culminating in an NQF Level 6 Occupational Certificate in Software Engineering.
The curriculum covers foundational software development alongside specialized electives such as mobile development, cloud computing, automation quality assurance, data engineering, distributed systems, and blockchain. To ensure accessibility for students from disadvantaged and remote rural areas, the program includes on-campus accommodation and full fee coverage.
Ruvimbo Gwatirisa, Director of Public Partnerships at WeThinkCode_, states that the goal is to build a national network of tech talent that extends beyond traditional urban centers. By partnering with South Cape TVET College, WeThinkCode_ is refining this approach as a blueprint to expand software engineering education nationally, enabling more collaborations to replicate this model across other rural areas in South Africa.
David Modiba, Deputy Director of DHET TVET Curriculum Development, emphasizes the partnership's role in aligning South Cape TVET College's curriculum with industry demands. This partnership provides a high-impact investment opportunity for industry partners by offering a pipeline of job-ready tech talent.
The success of this partnership will serve as a scalable public-private model for the government, offering a pipeline of job-ready tech talent. As the program progresses, WeThinkCode_ and South Cape TVET College plan to expand the initiative to the George Campus, further increasing accessibility for rural learners.
[1] WeThinkCode_ Press Release, "WeThinkCode_ Partners with South Cape TVET College to Bring Software Engineering Education to Underserved Communities," 2021.
[2] WeThinkCode_ Press Release, "WeThinkCode_ and South Cape TVET College Announce Partnership to Enhance Educational Pathways and Equip Students with Skills for Meaningful Employment," 2021.
[3] DG Murray Trust, "Partnership between WeThinkCode_ and South Cape TVET College," 2021.
[4] Caterpillar Foundation, "Partnership with WeThinkCode_ to Expand Tech Education in Rural South Africa," 2021.
[5] WeThinkCode_ Press Release, "WeThinkCode_ and South Cape TVET College Expand Partnership to George Campus," 2022.
- Through the partnership between WeThinkCode_ and South Cape TVET College, rural South African students will receive education in cloud computing, mobile development, automation quality assurance, data engineering, and more, aiming to equip them with job-ready tech skills.
- The collaboration between WeThinkCode_ and South Cape TVET College will see the expansion of their software engineering program to the George Campus, making education in technology, including fields like mobile and cloud software, more accessible to rural learners.
- By refining and implementing this partnership with South Cape TVET College, WeThinkCode_ envisions the development of a network of tech talent nationwide, reaching beyond urban centers, and providing education in software engineering, including subjects like cloud computing and mobile development, to underserved communities.
