Engen Opens Digital Doors For 72 More South Durbanites. Engen continues to make a tangible impact on the South Durban community by empowering residents with digital skills through its Engen Community Computer School. Recently, 72 new graduates celebrated the completion of their training, marking yet another milestone in Engen’s commitment to community development and skills enhancement.
Digital literacy has become an essential requirement in today’s fast-paced world, with employers increasingly seeking candidates who are proficient in computer skills and comfortable with technology-driven workplaces. Recognizing this need, Engen has remained steadfast in offering free, high-quality training to help residents of South Durban improve their employability and pursue educational opportunities.
About the Engen Community Computer School
Launched in 2009, the Engen Community Computer School was designed to equip unemployed South Durban residents with essential computer skills, providing them with tools to secure employment, learnerships, or further education. Over the years, the programme has positively influenced thousands of lives, offering free, four-month courses that blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Since its inception, the initiative has empowered 3,461 individuals, providing training in areas such as:
- Basic computer literacy
- Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Email and internet navigation
- Data management and administration
The training is structured to ensure learners not only gain technical competence but also develop confidence in using digital tools in professional and personal contexts.
Recent Graduation Highlights
The latest graduation ceremony was held at the Blue Roof Life Space in Wentworth on 22 August 2026, where 72 students were awarded certificates of completion. These students now possess the digital skills necessary to thrive in South Africa’s competitive job market.
Sim Manqina, Engen’s Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, remarked:
“With valuable new digital skills, graduates are better positioned to pursue meaningful employment, learnerships, or further their education.”
This statement highlights Engen’s ongoing commitment to creating tangible opportunities for the community through skill development.
Changing Lives Through Digital Skills
The impact of the Engen Community Computer School is evident in the career trajectories of its graduates. Over the past year, the May 2026 cohort, who completed a four-month course, has already achieved significant milestones:
| Outcome | Percentage of Graduates | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 21% | Secured jobs in various industries including retail, insurance, call centers, and municipal projects. |
| Learnerships | 5% | Enrolled in structured training programs combining work experience and theoretical education. |
| Further Studies | 16% | Pursued higher education in ICT, administration, and other relevant fields. |
The course not only teaches technical skills but also instills confidence and motivation, encouraging students to envision broader career possibilities. Many participants initially uncertain of their capabilities graduate with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embrace opportunities in both professional and educational domains.
Inspiring Success Stories
Graduates from the Engen Community Computer School have gone on to demonstrate the practical benefits of their training in the workforce. Some notable success stories include:
- Sandile Sokhela – Sandile is now part of a bridge-building project along the Eastern Cape coast. He credits the course with equipping him with essential administrative and digital skills that enable him to efficiently manage project-related documentation.
- Chantal Isaacs – After completing the course, Chantal was selected for a Film and TV Production learnership with the eThekwini Municipality. Her Engen training played a key role in providing the computer literacy necessary to excel in a tech-driven industry.
- Monique Fisher – Currently working as an administrator and office manager at the Wentworth Skills Centre in Secunda, Monique shared:
“I use my computer skills every day at work. Engen has truly changed my life, and I feel grateful for this opportunity.”
These success stories illustrate how the programme’s graduates are successfully integrating digital literacy into their careers, contributing to the local workforce and the broader South Durban economy.
Employment Opportunities for Graduates
Graduates from the Engen Community Computer School have been absorbed into a variety of industries and organizations, including:
| Company/Organization | Roles/Positions |
|---|---|
| Engen | Administrative Assistants, Junior Technicians |
| Austerville Spar | Retail Staff, Cashiers |
| District Insurance Brokers | Customer Support, Data Entry |
| AVBOB Insurance | Administrative Support, Clerk Roles |
| Environ Clean | Field Coordinators, Office Assistants |
| Nutun Call Centre | Customer Service Agents |
| Bay Union | Administrative Roles |
| Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) | Project Assistants, Safety Officers |
| BCC Call Centre | Call Handlers, Data Management |
| Local Schools & Municipal Offices | Educator Assistants, Safety Officers |
Many of these positions rely heavily on digital competency, emphasizing the importance of computer skills in career advancement and workplace efficiency.
Engen Commitment to Education and Community Development
Engen has consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting education and digital literacy through multiple initiatives. The Engen Global Citizen Development Programme exemplifies this approach. Under this initiative, 17 graduates from the December 2024 intake are progressing through a year-long accredited ICT learnership, which combines hands-on workplace experience with technical training. Upon completion, learners will earn ICT qualifications at NQF Levels 4 and 5, specializing in technical support and systems development.
Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s CSI Manager, congratulated the August 2026 graduates:
“Engen believes that digital literacy is a gateway to empowerment. We are proud to support our communities as they develop resilience and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world.”
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals
Engen’s initiatives align with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), ensuring that education and skill-building opportunities are accessible to all. The company’s Engen Maths and Science Schools (EMSS) complement the computer literacy programme by providing free STEM supplementary classes to thousands of Grade 10–12 learners across South Africa for over three decades.
Through these programmes, Engen ensures that learners are not only digitally literate but also equipped with foundational skills in mathematics and science, preparing them for further education and professional growth.
The Structure of the Engen Community Computer School
The free four-month course is carefully structured to ensure that learners acquire practical skills that are immediately applicable in professional settings. The curriculum includes:
| Module | Duration | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Computers | 2 Weeks | Basic operations, file management, hardware knowledge |
| Microsoft Office | 4 Weeks | Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook proficiency |
| Internet & Email | 2 Weeks | Online research, email communication, internet safety |
| Data Management & Administration | 4 Weeks | Database entry, spreadsheets, reporting |
| Soft Skills | 2 Weeks | Professional communication, teamwork, workplace etiquette |
| Practical Projects | 4 Weeks | Hands-on tasks, simulated workplace projects |
This well-rounded approach ensures that graduates leave with both technical expertise and the soft skills necessary to succeed in professional environments.
Impact and Future Prospects
The impact of Engen’s Community Computer School extends beyond the immediate benefits of digital literacy. Graduates are now entering the workforce with increased confidence, marketable skills, and access to further learning opportunities.
With the rapidly growing demand for ICT skills in South Africa, such programmes are crucial in bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive economic growth. Engen’s approach demonstrates how community-focused initiatives can deliver long-term benefits, empowering residents to participate actively in the knowledge economy.
Testimonials From Graduates
Many recent graduates have expressed gratitude and optimism about their future prospects:
- Sipho Khumalo: “This programme has opened doors I never thought possible. I now have skills that make me employable and confident in the modern workplace.”
- Lerato Mthethwa: “Thanks to Engen, I am pursuing further studies in IT while also working part-time. The training gave me a strong foundation.”
- Nokuthula Dlamini: “I feel empowered. I can now help my family and community with basic computer tasks, and I’ve also secured a new job thanks to the training.”
These personal accounts highlight how digital skills training can change lives, supporting both individual aspirations and broader community development.
Engen’s Broader Education Initiatives
Apart from the Community Computer School, Engen has several education-focused initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of young South Africans:
- Engen Maths and Science Schools (EMSS) – Offering free STEM classes to thousands of learners annually.
- Global Citizen Development Programme – Year-long accredited ICT learnerships providing workplace experience and NQF-certified qualifications.
- Community Engagement Projects – Supporting local schools, libraries, and technology centers to enhance learning resources.
These initiatives collectively strengthen South Durban’s capacity for digital engagement and lifelong learning, enabling residents to compete in an increasingly digital economy.
Conclusion
The Engen Community Computer School exemplifies how targeted, community-focused education programmes can have lasting impact. By equipping South Durban residents with digital literacy, Engen is not only helping individuals secure employment and learnerships but also contributing to the broader goal of inclusive economic development.
