Launch of Smart Skills Centre gives small NC town of Fraserburg a digital boost

THE SMALL town of Fraserburg, just over 100km from Sutherland in the Northern Cape, has taken a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth with the official launch of the Fraserburg Smart Skills Centre. 

The centre, a collaborative effort between the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) and the Karoo Hoogland Municipality, was launched on June 6, 2025.

The Fraserburg Smart Skills Centre is the seventh location in CHIETA’s growing network of centres across South Africa and the first in the Northern Cape. 

The centre’s establishment is a direct result of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between CHIETA and the Karoo Hoogland Municipality in January 2025. This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in driving economic growth and skills development in rural areas.

This state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide residents, particularly the youth and unemployed individuals, with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital and green economies. 

The centre offers a range of programmes, including accredited digital literacy courses, career development tools, and foundational training in key areas such as green hydrogen, coding, and online entrepreneurship.

According to Yershen Pillay, CEO of CHIETA, the launch of the Fraserburg Smart Skills Centre marks a significant milestone in the organisation's mission to broaden access to 21st-century skills and build industry-ready communities. 

“Today’s launch signals hope and opportunity,” Pillay said. “This centre is not just a building, it’s a springboard for skills transformation and economic renewal in one of the country's most underserved regions.”

The centre’s facilities include high-speed Internet, digital devices, and curated learning content, providing residents with the tools and resources needed to succeed in today’s digital economy. 

By offering free access to these resources, the centre aims to level the playing field and create opportunities for individuals and small businesses in Fraserburg, Williston, and Sutherland.

The long-term success of the Fraserburg Smart Skills Centre will depend on strong collaboration with municipal leaders, community organisations, and local employers. Stakeholders are encouraged to co-develop programmes that address the region’s specific economic needs, ensuring that the centre’s offerings are relevant and effective.

Pillay emphasised the importance of this partnership, saying, “We are deeply proud of our partnership with the Karoo Hoogland Municipality. By embedding digital infrastructure in the rural economy, we are planting the seeds of transformation that will benefit generations to come.”

The launch of the Fraserburg Smart Skills Centre is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable economy in the Northern Cape. As the centre begins to operate, residents can look forward to acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in the modern economy, and the local economy can expect to see positive growth and development.