In KwaZulu-Natal, a new cellphone repair training programme is being rolled out to help unemployed residents gain hands-on skills that can generate income quickly.
The four-week programme will take place in Durban and focuses on cellphone diagnostics, repairs, and basic business skills. It is designed to support people who want to work for themselves, offer services in their communities, or enter the growing digital repair economy.
Applications close on 16 February 2026, with training scheduled to begin later in the month.
Who Is Running the Programme
The training is led by Moses Kotane Research Institute, working in partnership with provincial government departments and training providers in KwaZulu-Natal.
Partners involved in the programme include:
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development
- Human Capital Learning Solutions
These organisations focus on skills development, youth support, and small business growth, particularly in township and rural areas. Their involvement ensures that the programme is linked to broader economic development and employment goals in the province.
What the Training Covers
The Cellphone Repair Training Programme is practical and skills-based. Participants are trained to diagnose and fix common cellphone problems while also learning how to deal with customers and manage small repair jobs.
Training areas include:
- Identifying hardware faults
- Replacing screens and batteries
- Basic software troubleshooting
- General mobile phone maintenance
- Customer service skills
- Introduction to small business basics
The goal is to ensure that participants can start offering repair services soon after completing the programme.
What Participants Receive
This programme goes beyond classroom training. Participants are provided with tools and support to help them put their skills into practice.
Those selected for the programme will receive:
- Accredited cellphone repair training
- Hands-on practical experience
- A cellphone repair toolkit
- A tablet for learning and business use
- Support with business registration
- Three months of mentoring and coaching
This support is aimed at improving participants’ chances of earning an income, either through self-employment or work in a repair environment.
Who Can Apply
The programme is aimed at unemployed residents of KwaZulu-Natal who are interested in technical and practical work.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of KwaZulu-Natal
- Be unemployed
- Have a valid South African ID
- Have Grade 11 with:
- Mathematics at 40 percent, or
- Mathematical Literacy at 50 percent
- Complete the required pre-assessment
Priority is given to:
- Women
- Youth
- Persons with disabilities
Meeting the requirements does not guarantee selection, as spaces are limited.
Training Schedule and Venue
The training runs over four weeks, from Monday to Friday.
Key dates and details:
- Start date: 23 February 2026
- End date: 20 March 2026
- Duration: 4 weeks
Training venue:
- MKRI Offices
- 190 K.E. Masinga Road
- Durban
Participants are expected to attend all sessions and take part fully in both theory and practical activities.
Why This Programme Matters
Cellphones are widely used across South Africa, creating steady demand for affordable repair services. For many communities, local repair technicians play an important role in keeping people connected to work, education, and services.
By combining technical training with business support, programmes like this one help young people move towards self-employment and small business ownership. They also support the growth of township and local economies by keeping skills and services within communities.
For participants, cellphone repair offers a practical way to enter the digital economy without needing a long period of study.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online.
Applicants should:
- Visit the application link
- Complete the online form
- Prepare the required details
- Submit the application before the closing date
Application link: https://forms.gle/goiQuwED8sEydH7LA
Closing Date
Applications close on 16 February 2026.
Late applications are not accepted.
Samantha Sibiya is part of the editorial team at internshipplaza.co.za, contributing career guidance and opportunity-based content for South African youth. She works closely with verified employer data, government publications, and institutional sources to ensure readers receive accurate and trustworthy information. Contact: samantha@internshipplaza.co.za