By Katleho Malangabe
The Northern Cape Department of Education has taken a major step towards preparing learners for the digital future by formalising a strategic partnership with CISCO Technology and the Hanley Group.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Wednesday, 5 August 2026. The collaboration aims to accelerate digital inclusion and bridge the skills gap in 235 schools across the province. Two teachers from every participating school will receive specialised instructor training and internationally recognised certification. More than 500 teachers will be capacitated to ensure quality training is conducted at every school.
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“Our vision is that a learner should graduate from school not only with a National Senior Certificate, but also with an internationally recognised industry certificate that enhances employability,” said MEC Vosloo.
Senior representatives from both organisations attended the ceremony, including Ms Smanqele Nkosi, General Manager of CISCO South Africa; Mr Chris Preeves, Vice President of the EMEA Foundation at CISCO; Mr Hanley Nyathi, Chief Executive Officer of the Hanley Group; and Mr Emson Moyo, Chief Operations Officer of the Hanley Group.
Under the agreement, CISCO Networking Academy courses will be integrated into the curriculum where applicable. Learners will gain access to internationally recognised certifications in networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital literacy and other emerging technologies while still at school. The Hanley Group will serve as the implementation partner, supporting the rollout of the programme.
A key focus of the partnership is the empowerment of educators through specialised training. Learners will also benefit from dual-certification pathways designed to improve their readiness for the digital economy and future job market.
The Northern Cape is the first province in South Africa to embark on this partnership, marking a significant milestone that is expected to equip learners in both urban and rural areas with the skills needed to succeed in the 4th industrial changing world.
