Engen Congratulates Learners on Completing First Milestone of ICT Programme. In a landmark celebration for digital education and youth empowerment, Engen has proudly congratulated the 2025 cohort of the Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP) for successfully completing the first phase of their 12-month ICT training journey. This milestone is not only a personal victory for the learners but also a reflection of Engen’s continued commitment to socio-economic upliftment and digital transformation in South Africa.
Learners’ Project Presentation Day
The Project Presentation Day took place at the Blue Roof Life Space in Wentworth, Durban, in late July. This highly anticipated event gave the learners a platform to present their technical projects, which they developed during the classroom training phase. These projects demonstrated their growing proficiency in Systems Development and Technical Support, revealing their readiness to enter the real-world ICT workspace.
The learners were lauded for their discipline, commitment, and determination. Their innovative presentations were assessed and applauded by an audience that included Engen representatives, host employers, and members of the Engen-Community Joint Committee, all of whom provided valuable feedback and encouragement.
Blending Theory and Practical Training
The Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP) was launched in April 2023 and is now operational in South Durban and Steelpoort, Limpopo. This high-impact programme is strategically designed to empower youth with employable ICT skills and promote long-term economic development. The training is structured with a 30% theory and 70% practical training ratio, ensuring that learners receive both academic grounding and hands-on workplace exposure.
Here’s a summary of the 2025 Durban intake:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Learners | 21 |
| Qualification – NQF Level 4 | Technical Support – 9 learners |
| Qualification – NQF Level 5 | Systems Development – 12 learners |
| Communities Represented | Umlazi, Wentworth, Lamontville, Merebank |
Second Phase
With the theoretical component now completed, learners will transition into the second phase of the programme: on-site workplace learnerships. These placements will allow them to apply their skills in real business environments across a range of host companies. This is a critical step in ensuring that graduates are job-ready and can seamlessly integrate into South Africa’s evolving digital economy.
Leadership Commentary
Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Manager, emphasized the broader purpose of the initiative:
“Investing in skills development is key to economic upliftment. The progress of these learners is incredibly encouraging, and we look forward to seeing how they grow during their learnerships.”
Dee Mdeka, Engen’s Skills Development Manager, echoed this sentiment:
“The digital economy is evolving rapidly, and equipping young people with future-fit skills is essential. Through the EGCDP, we ensure our graduates gain both technical expertise and real-world experience, positioning them for success in a competitive job market.”
Programme Expansion: From Durban to Steelpoort
Following the success of the EGCDP in Durban, the programme has now been extended to Steelpoort, Limpopo. A fresh group of 10 learners has already completed their theory training and is preparing to move into the workplace component. This expansion signifies Engen’s national-level commitment to creating educational opportunities and addressing youth unemployment in under-served communities.
Engen’s Broader Vision: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Engen’s investment in digital education aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
By equipping young South Africans with ICT skills, Engen contributes to both personal development and the broader goal of nation-building through inclusive digital transformation.
Simlindele Manqina, Engen’s Head of Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement, remarked:
“Empowering youth with ICT skills not only strengthens individual career prospects but also contributes to the country’s digital transformation. We are proud to support these learners on their journey toward personal growth and professional success.”
Conclusion
As the learners move into the final phase of their ICT learnership, they carry with them not just technical knowledge, but the confidence to tackle the challenges of a rapidly digitising world. Engen’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce remains steadfast, proving that investing in youth is the cornerstone of a thriving, inclusive economy.
