In a rapidly evolving digital world, Thembiso Magajana is pioneering a movement to bridge the digital divide in South Africa’s rural communities. As the Founder and Chairwoman of Social Coding, Thembiso is dedicated to equipping young people with the digital skills necessary for the future of work. By integrating computer literacy, coding, and STEM education into rural high schools, she is ensuring that the next generation is prepared for a technology-driven economy Social Coding is more than just a training initiative—it is a holistic program designed to reform education, empower teachers, and foster business engagement in digital upskilling. The program aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem where businesses invest in the digital education of their future workforce, ensuring long-term impact.
Revolutionizing Education with Social Coding
Social Coding is the first of its kind in South Africa—a public education reform initiative designed to equip rural youth with the necessary technical skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy. The program runs over four years, targeting students from grades 8 through 12, providing them with six hours of weekly hands-on training in computer literacy, coding, and problem-solving. Businesses play a crucial role in financing this initiative, recognizing it as an investment in the future workforce.
Beyond coding, Social Coding ensures that rural schools have access to high-speed internet and shared digital resources, addressing systemic issues that have long hindered progress in underprivileged areas. Classes are conducted on weekends, but the program also provides support and digital training for weekday teachers, ensuring that digital literacy becomes an integral part of the learning experience.
Addressing Systemic Challenges in Education
South Africa faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, with 43% of individuals aged 25-34 struggling to find work. This issue is compounded by an education system plagued by historical inequalities and chronic underfunding. Many rural schools still operate without basic digital resources, leaving students unprepared for modern careers.
While the government has made strides in advocating for coding and robotics in schools, limited funding and inadequate teacher training have hindered meaningful progress. Social Coding has stepped in to fill this gap by forging partnerships with businesses, securing funding, and providing a clear pathway from education to employment. The initiative transforms schools into digital hubs, empowering students with the tools and confidence to pursue careers in STEM fields.
A Strategic Approach to Digital Literacy
Thembiso’s model tackles multiple educational challenges simultaneously. The program is structured into three key phases:
- Junior Pioneers (Grades 8-9): Introduces students to coding, robotics, and digital literacy before they select their high school specialization subjects.
- Next Grad (Grades 10-12): Provides advanced training in coding, network technologies, and systems design, preparing students for university or direct entry into the workforce.
- Untapped: A pioneering initiative that ensures program graduates have accredited training, enabling them to secure employment in the tech industry.
To support teachers, Social Coding offers training in basic computer literacy and online tools, ensuring educators are equipped to guide students effectively. The program also incorporates virtual reality (VR) simulations, addressing the lack of lab equipment in rural schools and providing students with immersive learning experiences.
Scaling Impact: From Schools to the Workforce
Since its inception, Social Coding has impacted over 5,900 students across 45 schools. Thembiso’s vision is to expand this reach to 3,000 schools by 2035 through the establishment of Pioneer Centers—technology-equipped hubs that serve multiple schools within a district. These centers will be supported by corporate partners, ensuring consistent funding and resources.
Furthermore, Social Coding is piloting an innovative employment model where alumni who do not pursue tertiary education can engage in data annotation services—a booming global industry. By leveraging the technical skills acquired through Social Coding, these graduates can provide valuable services to major tech companies, ensuring sustainable employment opportunities.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Thembiso’s passion for education and technology stems from her own experiences growing up in rural communities. Inspired by her mother’s philosophy that a dream is only meaningful when shared with the community, she left a career in investment banking to pursue her mission of educational transformation.
Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the 50 Most Inspiring Women in Tech and the recipient of the Margaret Hirsch Heroine Award. She is also a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, a TEDx Speaker, and a Spark International Alumnus.
Building a Future-Ready South Africa
Thembiso Magajana’s Social Coding is more than just a training program—it is a movement to redefine the role of technology in education and economic empowerment. By ensuring that rural students gain access to world-class digital training, she is not only transforming lives but also shaping the future of South Africa’s workforce. As Social Coding continues to scale, its impact will be felt far beyond the classroom, influencing industries, communities, and the nation at large.