“VUT Student Recruitment recognises a skills development initiative empowering 25 young entrepreneurs with cellphone-repair businesses in Sebokeng.”
04 September | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
4 minutes read time.
Twenty-five young entrepreneurs have taken a significant step towards business ownership after receiving fully equipped cellphone-repair business containers during a handover ceremony held at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Sebokeng on 24 August 2026.
The initiative forms part of a R19 million skills development and entrepreneurship programme led by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in partnership with the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) and the South African Mobile Devices Distributors and Repairers Association (SAMDDRA). The programme aims to equip young people with technical skills, business infrastructure and entrepreneurial opportunities that support sustainable livelihoods and local economic development.
Government officials, industry representatives, community members and beneficiaries attended the event, including the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Student Recruitment team, which participated to support an initiative focused on youth empowerment through education, training and entrepreneurship.
According to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Buti Manamela, the programme has trained 326 South Africans since 2024 and aims to reach 500 beneficiaries. The initiative is designed to ensure that skills training translates into entrepreneurship, employment and meaningful economic participation.
Speaking at the event, Minister Manamela announced plans to expand the programme.
“The commitment that has been made by government and SETA is that they will expand, they will extend this commitment to a minimum of 25 more in the new year,” he said.
The Minister also encouraged greater collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders, particularly telecommunications companies and cellphone manufacturers, to support young entrepreneurs entering the industry.
Beyond cellphone repairs, he highlighted opportunities in related sectors such as electronic waste management, noting the potential for young entrepreneurs to create businesses within the growing green economy.
The programme provides participants with training in cellphone hardware repairs, software troubleshooting and diagnostics. Selected beneficiaries also receive tools, equipment and fully equipped business containers, enabling them to operate businesses immediately after completing their training.
W&RSETA Board Chairperson Mr Thulani Tshefuta emphasised that skills development should result in practical economic opportunities.
“Skills development must go beyond certification. It must create practical opportunities for young people to enter the economy, establish businesses and create sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
The significance of entrepreneurship in strengthening local communities was echoed by Executive Mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality, Councillor Hassan Mako, who highlighted the role of initiatives that equip young people with practical skills while enabling them to establish businesses within their own communities.
“Supporting young entrepreneurs is essential to strengthening our township economy and creating opportunities for local economic development,” he said.
For beneficiaries, the programme represents more than technical training. It offers an opportunity to build sustainable enterprises and explore new business opportunities. Thokozani Skhaulele from Zone 7 in Sebokeng said he has already diversified his services beyond cellphone repairs to include printing, while Maria Zozizwe Mbambo from Orange Farm described receiving a business container as an important step towards building a future for herself and her community.
Their experiences demonstrate how targeted skills development programmes can serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurship by combining technical expertise with access to equipment and business infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of VUT Student Recruitment, Manager Ms Lucy Mohoto welcomed the investment in young people and acknowledged its importance for the broader community.
“Student Recruitment remains committed to promoting accessible education and training opportunities that empower learners to participate meaningfully in the economy and contribute to community development,” she said.
The Sebokeng handover was more than the distribution of business containers. It demonstrated a practical approach to bridging the gap between skills development and economic opportunity by providing young entrepreneurs with the training, equipment and support needed to establish sustainable businesses.
With 326 people already trained and 25 entrepreneurs now launching their own cellphone-repair enterprises, the initiative highlights the potential of skills development to drive entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities and contribute to community development.