Vodacom’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
As unemployment rates continue to be a great concern for both government and private sectors in South Africa, Vodacom has nevertheless remained committed to taking a proactive stance against this challenge. In response, the company is now inviting applications for the 2026 intake to its Early Careers programmes. These initiatives aim to develop talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and they also offer meaningful employment and education opportunities. Ultimately, the programmes support Vodacom’s broader commitment to empowering youth and building an inclusive digital society.
Equipping Youth for a Digital Future
Given that digital technology is rapidly reshaping the world of work, Vodacom is investing heavily in the skills and potential of South Africa’s youth. In doing so, it ensures they are equipped to actively contribute to and benefit from the evolving digital economy. As a result, the company is extremely proud of the positive impact its Early Careers programmes are making especially in encouraging young people to pursue STEM careers while simultaneously fostering innovation and diversity across the industry,” says Njabulo Mashigo, Human Resources Director at Vodacom South Africa.
Discover Graduate Programme: Shaping Future Leaders
Among the key initiatives, the Early Careers opportunities include the Discover Graduate Programme. This programme offers two years of structured skills training specifically designed to shape future leaders. Upon successful completion, graduates then transition into permanent roles within Vodacom. For example, in the previous year alone, 131 Discover Graduates took part in the programme, including 84 women.
Internship Programme: Gaining Valuable Work Experience
Additionally, for those seeking to gain practical experience, the Vodacom Early Careers Internship Programme provides a valuable opportunity. It offers a paid 12-month fixed-term contract for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Throughout the programme, interns work alongside experienced professionals, build their networks, and further develop core competencies within a digital tech environment. Notably, the programme hosted 564 interns and learners in the past financial year 72 of whom were youth with disabilities.
Academic Merit Bursaries: Removing Barriers in STEM Education
Moreover, students can apply for the Vodacom Early Careers Academic Merit Bursary. This support is available to full-time first-, second-, or third-year students pursuing STEM degrees. The bursary is designed to help talented students overcome financial barriers and ultimately complete their studies. Since 2014, Vodacom has awarded 1 359 bursaries. In the 2025 financial year alone, 173 bursaries were granted 81 of which went to women.
Code Like a Girl: Encouraging Girls in Tech
In line with its vision for inclusivity, Vodacom also runs the Code Like a Girl initiative. This programme is an essential step toward increasing gender representation in STEM, especially among underprivileged communities. By equipping girls with coding skills early on, the initiative nurtures their talent and inspires them to pursue tech careers. Impressively, 3 335 girls participated in the programme in South Africa last year, bringing the total number of girls trained across Vodacom’s markets to 7 119.Read nore here
TechStart: Digital Skills for One Million African Youth
Furthermore, Vodacom has recently launched its TechStart programme. This bold initiative aims to upskill one million African youth by 2027. The programme features a digital skills hub offering self-paced online learning including platforms like AWS Educate. Through this, individuals gain in-demand digital and tech skills, significantly enhancing their career prospects in Africa’s fast-evolving tech landscape.
Building a Better Future Through Youth Empowerment
“Our Early Careers initiatives clearly reflect Vodacom’s purpose-driven culture and its mission to connect everyone to a better future,” concludes Mashigo. “As both Africa and South Africa’s Top Employer, we believe we have a responsibility to invest in the next generation of talent. In doing so, we not only support employment but also create opportunities that can truly transform lives.” Applicants for any of the Early Careers Programmes for 2026 can apply here: https://www.vodacom.com/early-careers.php?cid=SM_5w21D
