KMF equipping the digital generation of thinkers and creators

KMF - TDS
15 April 2025

The Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation(KMF), which is proactively engaged in youth empowerment programs, held an event to showcase some of the activities the former President Motlanthe’s Public Benefit Organization has been engaged in over the past decade.  Welcoming the guests to the KMF Digital Skills Centre in Johannesburg Mrs Gugu Motlanthe, Executive Trustee of KMF, said, "our commitment is to bridge the digital divide and equip the next generation of thinkers and creators."

The KMF Saturday School lessons, which was hosting a cohort of Grade 11 learners from Forte Secondary school in Soweto and Westbury Secondary School, explained Mrs Motlanthe, are split into different subjects and curricula, consisting of:
1.    Robotics, a multi-disciplinary curricular of coding, electronics, physics and algorithms which are at the heart of tomorrow’s innovations. Our robotics programme offers a deep dive into both the hardware and software aspects of robotics. Learners also explore and build their own mini robots and learn how to programme them.
2.    Multimedia Podcasting & Creative Storytelling – this is a powerful medium for education and business, where learners explore communication skills, journalism and how to present a compelling audio-visual story with radio and broadcast equipment.  Our podcasting curricular provides learners with the skills needed to create their own podcasts from scratch, from content creation and editing to distribution and marketing.
3.    Computer Game Development, Design and coding – learners explore computer programming, graphic design and art, user experience and web development skills to build their own video games.  Gamification is not just about playing games, learners learn how to create their own game, integrate game design principles into non-game environments to engage, motivate and inspire people.  The gamified systems we have installed also drive learning, business development and even social change.
 
To end the day some learners participated in practical Drone Flying.

The scope of KMF programmes provided has grown exponentially over the years. These include the onsite and off-site agricultural programme for schools that run concurrently with programmes on the premises for which KMF partners with The Manger Care Centre, a real-world production farm offering education, training and exposure with SETA Accredited NQF level courses in Agricultural Skills and Food Security.

The KMF office premises itself houses greenhouse food tunnels and vegetable gardens for on-site training and are keen to progress onto hydroponics and aquaponics. Beyond the classrooms and gardens, learners receive further exposure through customised tours and excursions and attend career days.

“The KMF is not just a space for learning – it is a community, a support system, and a platform where innovation must thrive. We do this intentionally so that young ambassadors step outside of their familiar environments and choose new careers paths, because they are more empowered and enriched than before, through technology and connectivity. With this exposure comes ambition, and it’s inspiring to see so many of them aspiring to become leaders of tomorrow, ready to shape, a more inclusive future," explained Motlanthe

Last year, the United Nations Secretary-General’s report on Industrial Development in Africa, highlighted the KMF digital skills project for youth as an exemplary model on the African continent. The KMF, with its partners and stakeholders, are embarking on ground-breaking programs for youth who are described as NEET, Not in Employment, Education or Training, due to unfortunate circumstances brought about by lack of access and poor government service delivery.  Many new areas in which skills and knowledge is becoming more relevant are being targeted including, energy, design, logistics and infrastructure, all linked to the emerging green economy.

“We will ensure they gain the relevant skills and accreditation from SETA and earn their own living.  We are in the process of importing this equipment from China because there is none available in the country, what you call a ‘Wind and Solar Bench with electric vehicle modelling incorporated into one system.  We have innovators and boffins at KMF ever-ready to make a difference,” said Motlanthe 

The work of the KMF is sustainable as it looks to the future, building social enterprises, growing its network and bolstering fundraising capabilities and capacity. “I have occasionally had to turn back, to recalibrate, and reboot.  But over time KMF has learnt how to better prepare and more importantly how to recover as we continue to respond to principles, repetition, checklists and feedback,” concluded Motlanthe.