by marketing | May 29, 2025 | blog, News @ ORT
Not long ago, digital literacy was considered a bonus skill; something that gave you an edge in the job market or helped you send an email a little faster. But in today’s world, digital is no longer optional, it’s essential. From accessing basic services to finding a job or attending school, the ability to navigate the digital world has become a basic human right.
At ORT SA, we believe that digital exclusion is the new form of inequality; and we’re determined to change that.
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐭
Imagine trying to apply for a job, but the application is only online. You don’t have a computer. Your phone is outdated. Data is expensive. Or worse, you don’t know how to write a CV, attach it to an email, or fill out an online form.
For millions of South Africans, this is the daily reality.
Whether it’s checking a bank balance, submitting a school assignment, or using a ride-hailing app to get to work; digital tools have become part of how we survive and thrive. The inability to engage with this world creates barriers that are as real as any locked door.
This is why digital illiteracy today is more than a disadvantage, it’s a form of exclusion. And it affects the most vulnerable the hardest: young people trying to access learning, job seekers, women entrepreneurs, rural communities, and the elderly.
At ORT SA, we see digital skills as a pathway to dignity, participation, and economic empowerment. Our Digital Skills Program is not just about learning how to use a computer, it’s about opening doors.
We meet people where they are, and help them go further than they imagined.
We work with real people at ORT SA who want to make real progress. From AEDF ORT SA Digital Skills graduate (2023) to AEDF New Venture Creation graduate (2025), Ashton February’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when opportunity meets support.
Ashton, a talented photographer from Cape Town, had his achievements recently celebrated at a surprise party organized by his wife, a well-deserved moment of recognition for his inspiring transformation.
“I am so grateful to ORT SA and AEDF for both of these programs as it has transformed the way I interact with technology and use it on a daily basis. Attending the New Venture Creation training has transformed the way I view my business and has allowed me to grow the business. A big thank you again to the people of ORT SA; Julius and Christopher, and for the opportunity,” Ashton shared.
His story is more than a personal win, it’s a reflection of ORT SA’s commitment to unlocking potential through accessible, relevant, and empowering learning.
This is the real impact of digital skills, not just access to tools, but the ability to use them to build a better life.
𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
In 2025, the right to digital literacy is as important as the right to clean water, education, and healthcare. Without it, people are shut out from basic opportunities, economically, socially, and civically.
Digital is how we access government services. It’s how we connect with family. It’s how we upskill, earn, advocate, learn, and lead.
Yet, access alone isn’t enough. Connectivity without capability is a dead end. That’s why our programs focus not only on access, but on real, usable skills that empower people to participate in the digital world confidently and safely.
𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
We don’t just want to close the digital divide — we want to flip the script. We want young people in South Africa to build apps, unemployed youth to land remote jobs, and school learners to code robots that win national awards (as they already have in our Let Kidz Code program).
Because when people are equipped with the right tools and training, they rise and they lift communities with them.
We challenge you to connect with ORT SA
Whether you’re a company looking for a meaningful CSI partner, a school wanting to boost your tech capacity, a funder who believes in inclusive growth or a young South African looking to unlock your potential ORT SA is your ally in building a digitally literate South Africa.
by marketing | Apr 30, 2025 | blog, News @ ORT, Old News
Let’s be real: looking for a job right now feels overwhelmingly difficult. It’s like trying to win the lottery — blindfolded, in the dark, during a thunderstorm.
And if you’re feeling like it’s just you, trust me, it’s not. Right now in South Africa, nearly 1 in 3 people are unemployed. And it’s been like that for a while.
Recently, I spent some time in KZN chatting to young people who applied for ORT SA Big Data Training programme.
And let me tell you — these weren’t just any applicants. Degrees, diplomas, side hustles — these guys had it all. Smart, hungry for opportunity, and ready to do whatever it takes to level up.
We had about 100 applicants… but only 25 spots.
Which made me wonder — what about the 75 others?
The ones who clearly have the potential but keep getting stuck in the “no work, no experience” cycle?
The scary part is, when you’re desperate, you start grabbing anything that kinda-sorta looks like experience. It could be another learnership here, an internship there, or a YES placement for basic wage…
But the problem?
You end up stretching yourself so thin across different fields that your CV looks random, not focused.
And when companies ask for real work experience, you don’t have much to show. This is true even though you’ve been busy.
I met one young woman who’s deep into coding. She is doing her Computer Science advanced diploma at night. She is willing to show up every day just to add another skill to her name.
Her passion is real.
But piling on more qualifications without real-world experience can backfire if you’re not strategic.
So here’s the move:
Stop chasing only certificates. Start chasing experience.
You don’t have to wait for a fancy job title. Go out and create your own work experience:
Help small businesses in your area with any skills you have. These can include tech, admin, social media, or design. You name it.
Here’s some options:
Volunteer your skills at a local business.
Help out at a startup or NGO.
Offer to build websites, help with admin, run social media — whatever matches your passion.
Document EVERYTHING you do. Set up a LinkedIn profile or a GitHub portfolio and show it off.
Network with people. Comment on posts. Share your ideas. Get noticed.
Because here’s the truth:
Experience is your secret weapon.
And in a world where everyone’s hustling for a piece of paper, real experience will make you stand out.
Final word?
You’re not stuck. You’re building.
You will not see the results right away. Every skill you sharpen, every connection you make, and every project you finish is stacking up behind the scenes.
Your future self will thank you.
Stay sharp. Stay real. Stay hungry.
by marketing | Apr 30, 2025 | blog, COVID19, News @ ORT, Old News
Let’s be real: looking for a job right now feels overwhelmingly difficult. It’s like trying to win the lottery — blindfolded, in the dark, during a thunderstorm.
And if you’re feeling like it’s just you, trust me, it’s not. Right now in South Africa, nearly 1 in 3 people are unemployed. And it’s been like that for a while.
Recently, I spent some time in KZN chatting to young people who applied for ORT SA Big Data Training programme.
And let me tell you — these weren’t just any applicants. Degrees, diplomas, side hustles — these guys had it all. Smart, hungry for opportunity, and ready to do whatever it takes to level up.
We had about 100 applicants… but only 25 spots.
Which made me wonder — what about the 75 others?
The ones who clearly have the potential but keep getting stuck in the “no work, no experience” cycle?
The scary part is, when you’re desperate, you start grabbing anything that kinda-sorta looks like experience. It could be another learnership here, an internship there, or a YES placement for basic wage…
But the problem?
You end up stretching yourself so thin across different fields that your CV looks random, not focused.
And when companies ask for real work experience, you don’t have much to show. This is true even though you’ve been busy.
I met one young woman who’s deep into coding. She is doing her Computer Science advanced diploma at night. She is willing to show up every day just to add another skill to her name.
Her passion is real.
But piling on more qualifications without real-world experience can backfire if you’re not strategic.
So here’s the move:
Stop chasing only certificates. Start chasing experience.
You don’t have to wait for a fancy job title. Go out and create your own work experience:
Help small businesses in your area with any skills you have. These can include tech, admin, social media, or design. You name it.
Here’s some options:
Volunteer your skills at a local business.
Help out at a startup or NGO.
Offer to build websites, help with admin, run social media — whatever matches your passion.
Document EVERYTHING you do. Set up a LinkedIn profile or a GitHub portfolio and show it off.
Network with people. Comment on posts. Share your ideas. Get noticed.
Because here’s the truth:
Experience is your secret weapon.
And in a world where everyone’s hustling for a piece of paper, real experience will make you stand out.
Final word?
You’re not stuck. You’re building.
You will not see the results right away. Every skill you sharpen, every connection you make, and every project you finish is stacking up behind the scenes.
Your future self will thank you.
Stay sharp. Stay real. Stay hungry.
by marketing | Apr 30, 2025 | blog, COVID19, News @ ORT, Old News
In today’s world, starting a business as a young person is more exciting—and more accessible—than ever. One of the tools playing a massive role in this entrepreneurial revolution is Artificial Intelligence (AI). But how exactly should youth entrepreneurs use AI? And how can they do it responsibly?
We sat down with ChatGPT, one of the world’s most well-known AI tools, to find out how AI can boost young businesses—and where caution is needed.
________________________________________
ORT2Know: ChatGPT, thank you for joining us. To begin, could you elaborate on the ways in which AI can assist young entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of launching their businesses?
ChatGPT:
It’s a pleasure to be here! AI offers young entrepreneurs powerful advantages. First, it dramatically reduces the barrier to entry for business. Need a logo? AI can design one. Need a business plan? AI can help draft it. Need customer service, marketing ideas, product descriptions, financial models? AI is right there, providing professional-quality support without massive upfront costs.
It empowers young people to work faster, smarter, and more creatively—even without a huge budget or team. For those who may feel intimidated by the complexity of starting a business, AI acts as an encouraging co-pilot.
________________________________________
ORT2Know: While the potential advantages are clear, what risks or challenges should young entrepreneurs be mindful of when using AI technology?
ChatGPT:
Great question—and very important. AI is a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking or human connection. Relying too heavily on AI can cause several problems:
• Creativity Stifling: If you let AI do all your thinking, you might lose touch with your unique ideas—the ones that really set a business apart.
• Accuracy Issues: AI can sometimes make mistakes. Information needs to be fact-checked and judgment must be used.
• Ethical Concerns: AI can unintentionally produce biased or insensitive content if it’s not used thoughtfully. Responsible use means always reviewing and considering the real-world impact of what AI helps you create.
• Dependency: Young entrepreneurs need to learn foundational skills—like communication, leadership, problem-solving—that AI can’t replicate. Otherwise, they risk becoming too dependent on tools instead of developing their own abilities.
________________________________________
ORT2Know: You touched on “responsible use” of AI. Could you expand on what responsible use entails for young business founders?
ChatGPT:
Responsible use of AI means treating it like a partner, not a boss. Use AI to brainstorm ideas, to assist with tasks, and to learn faster. But always review what AI produces. Make sure it aligns with your business values and personal ethics.
It also means being transparent. If you use AI-generated content in your business (such as in marketing), be open about it. Authenticity is still the currency of trust in business.
Most importantly, responsible entrepreneurs continue building their real-world skills: creativity, empathy, resilience, and leadership. AI can boost these qualities, but it should never replace them.
________________________________________
ORT2Know: In conclusion, what advice would you offer to a 17-year-old aspiring entrepreneur who wishes to incorporate AI into their startup journey?
ChatGPT:
I’d say: Be bold, but be thoughtful. AI can turn your dream into reality faster than ever before—but your ideas, your energy, and your ability to connect with people are your true superpowers.
Learn to use AI like a pro, but never lose your human touch. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember: technology moves fast, but values like honesty, creativity, and perseverance will always be what truly build great businesses—and great lives.
________________________________________
Final Thoughts
Young entrepreneurs are stepping into a world where AI levels the playing field like never before. With wise, responsible use, AI can help turn today’s teenage side hustle into tomorrow’s global success story.
As ChatGPT reminds us, it’s not about being the smartest machine—it’s about being the smartest human, using the best tools.
by marketing | Mar 27, 2025 | blog, News @ ORT, Old News
𝗪𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗮𝗮𝗹!
We are thrilled to announce our Let Kidz Code and Mathematics in the Classroom induction in Sedibeng, made possible by our incredible partners at STET. This year, we are excited to focus on Early Childhood Development, particularly in the Foundation Phase, to strengthen learning from the ground up.
Sedibeng is a new district for us, expanding our footprint beyond our longstanding presence in Johannesburg East. We are excited to welcome educators on this transformative journey!
#letkidzcode #stemeducation #Sedibeng #ORTSA #STET #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment
by marketing | Mar 24, 2025 | blog, News @ ORT
𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆
South Africa’s history is fundamentally shaped by the struggle for human rights. From apartheid to democracy, the pursuit of equality has been central to our national identity. Today, as we address the challenges of our society, the commitment to these rights remains crucial.
Persistent inequality and unemployment are significant obstacles. However, it is precisely in these times that we must reinforce the values of our constitution.
Human rights are not abstract ideas, but practical necessities for a just and thriving nation. In South Africa, this means providing citizens with the means to succeed.
Education is essential for individual and national progress. It offers the opportunity to overcome disadvantages and contribute to development. In a society aiming for inclusion, education must be accessible to everyone. Through education, we can develop critical thinking, encourage innovation, and create a skilled workforce.
Economic opportunity is equally important. South Africa’s entrepreneurial potential can create jobs and stimulate growth. By supporting self-reliance and providing the necessary resources, we can enable individuals to participate fully in the economy.
Achieving a society where human rights are fully respected is a continuous process. It requires collaboration between government, organizations, and individuals. We must remain dedicated to justice, equality, and opportunity for all.
Organizations across South Africa, like ORT South Africa, work to support this goal by providing educational and business development programs. These efforts are important for creating a South Africa that honours its past and builds a better future. The strength of our nation lies in our dedication to human rights. By upholding these principles, we can create a society where every South African has the chance to live with dignity and purpose.
