Department of Higher Education and Training and Google sign landmark MoU to advance digital skills and AI integration
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, in partnership with Google, would like to invite members of the media to the official signing ceremony of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Google and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), on 30 March 2026.
The landmark MoU, facilitated by the Deputy Minister Gondwe's Office, aims to advance digital skills, integrate AI in higher education, and support workforce development in South Africa. This marks the fourth successful public-private partnership for student and youth skills development concluded by Deputy Minister Gondwe.
- One of the focus areas in the MoU is providing access to training initiatives, including five thousand (5,000) Google Career Certificate scholarships in areas such as AI Essentials, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and more, targeted at students, educators, and IT staff in selected public universities, TVETs, and CET colleges, with a focus on rural and township areas.
- Google will offer AI training for educators through programs like Generative AI for Educators and collaborate on a train-the-trainer model to enable further skills dissemination.
- Other focus areas include curriculum development, where Google will facilitate access to AI and technology curricula, co-create localised content, and assist in integration at institutions.
- The agreement will also see Google provide device support, such as deploying ChromeOS Flex to revitalise existing hardware, strategic hardware advisory, and empowerment of IT teams through advanced training.
- The MoU will also incorporate collaboration on policy and governance, sharing expertise on AI policy development, and providing access to relevant Google AI products for public institutions.
Deputy Minister Gondwe will lead the MoU signing ceremony, joined by students, DHET officials, and senior Google executives. The event will include a demonstration of Google AI programmes.
Members of the media are invited to join as follows:
Date: 30 March 2026
Time: 10:00 - 13:00
Location: Google Johannesburg, Building E, Ballyoaks Office Park, 35 Ballyclare Dr, Bryanston, Johannesburg, 2021.
Issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Training
Enquiries:
Sipho Stuurman
Cell: 076 965 4880
E-mail: Stuurman.S@dhet.gov.za
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