DHET to Sign MoU with Google for AI and Digital Skills in SA Education

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google. This deal focuses on AI and digital skills in South Africa’s education sector. It affects students, educators, and IT staff at public universities, TVET colleges, and CET colleges, especially in rural and township areas. The agreement matters now as it boosts skills ahead of the signing on 30 March 2026. (SAnews.gov.za)

The signing will happen on Monday, 30 March 2026, at Google’s offices in Bryanston, Johannesburg. Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe will lead the event.

The MoU aims to advance digital skills and bring AI into higher education. It also supports workforce growth in South Africa. These details come from DHET and SAnews.gov.za.

This deal marks the fourth public-private partnership led by the Deputy Minister for student and youth skills.

DHET says it includes 5,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships. These cover AI Essentials, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics. They target students, educators, and IT staff in public universities, TVET, and CET colleges. Rural and township communities get special focus.

Google will train educators in Generative AI for Educators. They will use a train-the-trainer model to spread skills widely.

The partnership covers curriculum work too. Google will share AI and tech curricula. They will co-create local content and help schools add it.

Technology support includes ChromeOS Flex to update old hardware. Google will give advice on hardware and train IT teams to build capacity.

On policy, they will share AI expertise and let public schools use Google AI tools.

The signing ceremony comes soon on 30 March 2026 in Bryanston. Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe will lead it.

Students, DHET officials, and Google leaders will attend. The event includes demos of Google’s AI programs. (SAnews.gov.za)

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