Microsoft x SABC: Free AI Certifications for Every South African

Program 1: SABC Plus AI Training

Microsoft partnered with SABC to put AI and digital skills courses directly on the SABC Plus streaming app. You learn on your phone, complete quizzes, and earn digital badges certified by Pearson.

How to sign up

1. Download the SABC Plus app (Android or iOS) or go to the SABC Plus website
2. Register with your Google or Microsoft account
3. Browse to the AI and Digital Skills section
4. Start working through the modules at your own pace
5. Once you complete a module, move to the Ikamva Digital platform to claim your Pearson digital certification

What you learn

• AI fluency: understanding how AI works and how to use it at work
• Digital literacy: core digital skills for any career
• Content is mobile-friendly and designed for South African learners

Program 2: YES x Microsoft -- 50,000 Free Certification Vouchers

The Youth Employment Service (YES) and Microsoft are giving 50,000 South Africans free Microsoft certification exam vouchers. These are globally recognized certs that employers actually look for.

The 8 certifications available

1. AI Business Professional -- Generative AI and Microsoft 365 Copilot for business
2. Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) -- Core AI concepts and Azure machine learning
3. Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) -- Foundation for all cloud careers
4. Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) -- Data concepts on Azure
5. Security, Compliance & Identity (SC-900) -- Cybersecurity fundamentals
6. Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-700) -- Productivity and collaboration tools
7. Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) -- Low-code app development
8. Dynamics 365 Fundamentals -- Business applications

How to claim your free voucher

1. Go to yes-aiskills.co.za
2. Sign up with your South African ID number
3. Choose one of the 8 certifications
4. Link your Microsoft Learn profile to the YES initiative
5. Complete the learning modules on Microsoft Learn (self-paced, free)
6. Take the practice exam -- you need 70% to pass
7. Once you pass, go to the "Claim Certificate" section on the YES website
8. Use your unique voucher code to book your official exam through Pearson VUE
9. Take the exam online from home or at a testing center

Important

• 50,000 vouchers total. 1.4 million unemployed graduates in SA. Move fast.
• No degree or experience required
• The modules are self-paced so you can do them around your schedule
• The certification is globally recognized -- it works for jobs in SA and abroad

Program 3: Ikamva Digital -- For TVET College Students

A dedicated platform for students and educators across all 50 TVET colleges in South Africa. Five career tracks aligned with what employers are hiring for right now.

The 5 career tracks

1. Cybersecurity -- Companies in SA are desperate for this. Starting salaries above R400K.
2. Data Analytics -- The most requested skill in tech job listings right now.
3. Software Development -- Build apps, websites, and systems.
4. Cloud Computing -- Azure and cloud infrastructure.
5. Multimedia Design -- Content creation and digital media.

How to sign up

1. Go to ikamvadigital.org
2. Create your account (available to current students, alumni, and educators)
3. Choose your career track
4. Start learning -- you can download content for offline access so you're not burning data
5. Earn free certification vouchers as you complete modules