South Africa will mark Youth Day on 16 June in part by emphasising the importance of digital skills development. One of the latest initiatives announced is a multi-year collaboration between PwC, UNICEF South Africa and Capacitate to launch YoMobi, a youth empowerment platform.

The platform, a result of PwC’s ‘New World. New Skills’ global campaign and UNICEF SA’s Generation Unlimited initiative, is expected to serve as a catalyst to bridge the glaring skills gap that exists in South Africa.

Muriel Mafico, Deputy Representative of UNICEF South Africa, said: “I believe what brought us together was the shared knowledge that if young people are prepared with the relevant skills to become productive, engaged members of society and have access to a supportive system, they will effectively advance progress towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to overall positive socio-economic development outcomes.”

This year, National Youth Day and Youth Month are being celebrated under the theme: The Year of Charlotte Maxeke: Growing youth employment for an inclusive and transformed society.

Marthle du Plessis, PwC South Africa Associate Director and UNICEF campaign lead said: “YoMobi is a massive catalyst in bridging this upskilling divide between the haves and have-nots. The power of partnerships is celebrated with YoMobi integrating collaborations with other NPOs, government and the private sector to facilitate access to earning and further learning. YoMobi is an ecosystem enabler, bringing together and addressing the digital divide at a systemic level - ensuring that organisations are provided with the tools to empower the youth they engage with.”

Dion Shango, PwC Africa CEO, shared his excitement at the firm’s collaboration and development of the YoMobi tool, added: “Our PwC global strategy, the New Equation, positions us to ensure a future that is human-led and tech-powered. For us, people and technology work hand in hand. It's about how human ingenuity combines with technology, innovation and experience to deliver faster, more intelligent and better outcomes while building trust across the value chain.”

Jason Bygate, Head of Innovation, Tech and Data Development at Capacitate Social Solutions, echoed Shango’s sentiments, said: “As a social enterprise working with investors and NGOs across the social economy, we recognise the pivotal role that technology can play to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and scale of interventions that are driving positive change in society.”