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The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, officiated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and Microsoft South Africa on 7 October 2025, at Microsoft’s Johannesburg headquarters. The partnership focuses on advancing AI and digital skills training across South Africa’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
What Happened
This is the third public-private partnership that Dr Gondwe has secured since she took office in July 2024. It will run for three years and includes several key focus areas such as the Microsoft AI Engineer Programme, AI leadership training for DHET and TVET principals, and the Digital Literacy Programme.
Through the collaboration, Microsoft will offer a one-year blended AI Engineer course, mentorship for facilitators, and access to its Education Transformation Framework to help shape digital learning strategies.
Official Response
Dr Gondwe said she was pleased to see the partnership materialise, adding that it would strengthen the employability of students. “This MoU will significantly enhance skills development in our TVETs through Microsoft’s AI and digital literacy programmes. It is crucial that our students are prepared for the job market with relevant skills,” she said.
Microsoft South Africa’s National Technology Officer, Asif Valley, added: “This partnership is a pivotal step in closing the digital skills gap and ensuring students are equipped for innovation and leadership in a digital economy.”
Community Impact
The initiative is expected to empower thousands of TVET students and educators, boosting South Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy while supporting entrepreneurship and job creation.
