In East London, excitement filled the air as 20 SMMEs and 10 female ICT students from Walter Sisulu University proudly walked across the stage to receive their certifications.
It wasn’t just a graduation ceremony, it was a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the promise of a digitally inclusive South Africa.
The event marked the successful completion of Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa’s 2024 Fibre TechCelerate Programme, a transformative initiative equipping small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with essential technical, business, and digital skills.
At the same ceremony, 25 new SMMEs were welcomed into the 2025 cohort, signaling continuity and growth.
For many of these enterprises, the journey has been life-changing. From mastering fibre optics installation to gaining critical business management skills, participants are now better prepared to contribute to key projects like the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s fibre and broadband rollout, an initiative that has already created more than 7,000 jobs in the province.
“This programme is more than just a skills accelerator; it’s a catalyst for transformation,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana. “By empowering local businesses, women, and youth, we’re investing in a digitally inclusive future for the Eastern Cape and beyond.”
Structured around modules ranging from occupational health and safety to mentorship and digital skills, Fibre TechCelerate is designed to prepare SMMEs for long-term success in the digital economy.
For Dr. Andile Ngcaba, Patron of Cortex Hub, which implements the programme, the impact has been profound:
“We are proud to see participants thrive and look forward to supporting the next cohort on their growth journey.”
Liquid’s partnership with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in driving digital transformation. By bridging gaps in capacity, fostering entrepreneurship, and empowering communities, the programme is laying the foundation for a South Africa where no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
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