Takealot Group, South Africa’s largest online retailer, is moving beyond e-commerce sales into education and business development through new ventures and government partnerships.
The company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment.
The deal will provide specialised skills training, bursaries, as well as e-commerce opportunities for young people.
Takealot and DHET sign skills training deal
Takealot CEO Frederik Zietsman said the company is aligning its resources with government priorities:
“We are committed to working with the government and other partners to accelerate digital inclusion and leverage the power of e-commerce to change lives for the better.” Zietsman said.
What the partnership includes
- Skills training: Takealot will work with TVET and community colleges to help develop curricula around logistics, e-commerce, and digital business.
- Bursary expansion: Its bursary programme will be expanded, with funding matched by the DHET, to support students in high-demand fields such as ICT, logistics, and e-commerce retail.
- Education delivery: Takealot will use its logistics network to deliver textbooks to colleges.
- SME and township support: Through its platforms, the company will continue to help small businesses and township entrepreneurs reach new markets.
- SETAs involvement: Sector Education and Training Authorities will also be brought in to support youth development and facilitate the listing of township businesses on digital platforms.
Takealot said the moves reflect a long-term strategy to support job creation, skills development, and inclusive economic growth, positioning the group as more than just a retail marketplace.
