South Africans aiming for a career in the technology industry have received a huge boost. Microsoft South Africa has partnered with the SABC to bring AI training videos directly to the SABC Plus platform, opening the door for millions of people to learn digital skills for free.
The partnership was announced at the Microsoft AI Tour 2026 in Johannesburg, where the vibrancy at the venue reflected the growing urgency for technology readiness in the country.
Why AI training matters now
Speaking at the event, Microsoft South Africa CEO Vukani Mngxati was clear about the risks. He said all businesses have a responsibility to help build the country’s skills base, especially as artificial intelligence becomes central to the way people work and learn.
Microsoft originally planned to train 1 million people in AI skills. We have already exceeded that goal, reaching 1.4 million learners. Now, thanks to the SABC partnership, the company plans to leverage the scale of SABC Plus to reach even more South Africans, especially those who don’t have access to traditional training routes.
What South Africans can get from the platform
As Mngxati explained, AI fluency is the foundation of all AI work. This includes knowing how to give instructions to AI tools, how to evaluate responses, and how to choose the right model or feature for the task at hand. These are quickly becoming essential skills in the modern job market, from administrative and creative work to engineering and data analysis.
Through SABC Plus, learners will be able to:
• Watch AI training videos on demand
• Complete practical assignments.
• Earn recognized credentials.
• Use these credentials to increase your employment opportunities.
With 1.9 million SABC Plus users registered, Microsoft believes the platform has the reach needed to democratize AI education across the country. About a quarter of these users are active, which is still a significant number of users who are ready to take advantage of new learning materials.
Driving digitalization with significant economic impact
This initiative forms part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to build a strong pool of experts with cloud and AI skills in South Africa. While AI fluency training is a starting point, Mngxati hinted at the bigger picture. Advanced technical skills, particularly in cloud infrastructure, can not only benefit local businesses but also put South Africans in a position to export their expertise globally.
This is especially relevant in a country where youth unemployment remains high and digital transformation is progressing faster than most industries can keep up.
What this means for the future
South Africa has spent years addressing its digital skills shortage, and partnerships like this one signal a shift towards more accessible and locally relevant solutions. For many people, SABC Plus is the platform they already use for entertainment and news. Turning it into a learning tool is not only practical but also a wise use of existing national resources.
If successful, this partnership could set a precedent for how public platforms can work with global technology companies to upskill citizens at scale.
As AI reshapes industries around the world, the message from Johannesburg is clear. South Africans should not be left behind.
{Source: Tech Central}
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