South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has partnered with e-commerce giant Takealot Group to create flexible income opportunities for students, allowing them to earn while continuing their studies without compromising their academic performance.
South Africa’s Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), in partnership with leading e-commerce company Takealot Group, has launched a new initiative aimed at providing income-earning opportunities to students while they continue their studies.
The programme forms part of the expansion of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DHET and Takealot and is being spearheaded by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Mimmy Gondwe. It seeks to strengthen pathways between higher education and economic participation while addressing youth unemployment and entrepreneurship development.
Takealot Township Economy Initiative (TTEI)
As part of the rollout, Takealot Group recently engaged with the South African Union of Students (SAUS) and the Deputy Minister to introduce the Takealot Township Economy Initiative (TTEI). The programme is specifically designed to provide flexible earning opportunities and practical workplace exposure for students.
Under the initiative, 500 students are expected to benefit from income-generating opportunities while pursuing their academic studies. The programme is structured to accommodate students’ academic schedules, allowing them to balance work experience and education simultaneously.
Three Flexible Earning Streams
Officials stated that the initiative offers three flexible earning streams aimed at helping students gain financial support, work experience, and entrepreneurial exposure. Peak earning opportunities are expected during high-demand business periods such as Fridays, month-end weekends, and Saturdays.
The programme is also intended to create a long-term pathway towards entrepreneurship by exposing students to digital commerce operations, logistics, customer engagement, and business management systems within South Africa’s rapidly growing e-commerce economy.
SETA-Accredited Training Included
Importantly, the programme will include SETA-accredited training, providing participants with structured workplace learning and recognised skills development opportunities. This is expected to significantly enhance students’ professional profiles and improve their long-term employment prospects.
Deputy Minister’s Vision
Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe described the partnership as a practical step towards converting education partnerships into real economic opportunities for students.
“Through this newly added focus area and collaboration, we are turning our already impactful MOU into real economic participation for students, providing them with tangible work experience, income, and entrepreneurship skills,” Gondwe said.
Pilot Phase and Next Steps
The pilot phase of the initiative is expected to be implemented over the next three months at three selected higher education institutions. Further details regarding student participation, application processes, and programme operations will be communicated ahead of the official rollout.
Addressing Youth Unemployment
South Africa continues to face significant youth unemployment challenges, with many students struggling to access part-time employment, workplace experience, and entrepreneurial support while studying. This initiative is seen as a practical response to those challenges.
The Takealot Township Economy Initiative also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen participation in the digital economy, particularly among youth and township communities. South Africa’s e-commerce sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years, creating new opportunities in logistics, delivery services, digital retail, and online entrepreneurship.
The DHET-Takealot partnership is expected to contribute to broader national goals related to skills development, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and economic transformation. Government officials maintain that expanding innovative public-private partnerships will remain critical for improving graduate employability and creating sustainable opportunities for South Africa’s youth.
