Tech firm gives youth a shot at honing skills
Mahlatji’s Priyotech uses technology to boost employment chances
Bridging the gap between access and opportunities and impoverished youth and computer illiterate pupils is what Palesa Mahlatji, the founder of ICT company Priyotech, is all about.
Mahlatji has made it her business to empower communities and provide them with laptops and tablets - including creating portable solar changing stations for people without access to electricity - to enable them to be computer literate. She especially aims to help schoolchildren with schoolwork, and the unemployed with the creation of their CVs.
“Priyotech is an [EdTech] company that has developed a portable, solar computer lab in a bag that transforms normal classrooms into computer labs,” said Mahlatji.
“The team uses these labs to provide access to technology and integrate ICT into the education system to empower teachers to improve the quality of education for young people, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, by equipping them with ICT skills and digital equipment such as the E-learning digital library with laptops or tablets, and a solar charging station so as to prepare students for the fourth industrial revolution [4IR].
Mdantsane-born Mahlatji said she had also developed a gaming hub for children and the youth at Shop 62 in the Highway Mall in Mdantsane, in a bid to link job seekers to online employment opportunities.
“I grew up believing that education was the key to my success and three days before my matric exams I was involved in a car accident that nearly ended my life, however I did not lose focus on the bigger picture.
“After matric, like many young South Africans I found myself unemployed desperately looking for a job and was often told to go and apply online.
“I had never used a computer in my life and had to pay a lot of money just to type my CV which is why I have tried to venture into the space to assist those who were like me.”
Mahlatji got a big break in the banking industry which helped her pursue her university degree which she self-funded. She acquired a B.Comm in marketing management and is now doing an Honours degree.
“In 2015 I walked away from the banking industry to help youth and women gain skills that will make them employable. To date we have already trained almost 5,000 students and made an impact on more than 883 students, 120 of whom have received learnership opportunities to further their careers through the Services Seta, NHBRC and the department of human settlement.
“Fifteen are currently employed while three have established their own businesses,” she said.
The 2016 Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality heroes’ award winner said her business had grown and gained recognition from a series of programmes she participated in.
“In 2017 I was part of the Red Bull Amaphiko academy and the Ygap/spark international Accelerator. In 2017 I was awarded with the Youth in ICT Award, won the 2017 Engen pitch and polish (Mthatha), GIBS Festival of ideas and in 2018 I was the only candidate chosen to represent South Africa in Morocco in the Start-Up of the Year competition where I won the PWC- Jury Award – all of which have been exciting and wonderful opportunities which have opened my eyes and given me great experiences.”
I grew up believing that education was the key to my success