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Joburg CBD gets major tech boost with launch of Maharishi NextUp Institute

March 26, 2026March 26, 2026627 Views 2 min read

By Thembi Moyo

Johannesburg’s inner city has taken a significant step toward becoming a leading technology and education hub, following the launch of the Maharishi NextUp Institute of Technology (MNIT) in Marshalltown.

The newly unveiled institute, based at 56 Main Street, marks a major milestone in South Africa’s ongoing digital transformation. The 10-storey, 10,065m² campus was donated by prominent South African tech entrepreneurs and philanthropists David Frankel and Tracey Frankel, signalling a strong private-sector commitment to developing future-ready skills.The launch forms part of the broader vision of the Maharishi Invincibility Institute to reshape the Johannesburg CBD into a thriving centre for education, innovation and employment. Through its “Education Town” initiative, the institute aims to breathe new life into the inner city while creating direct pathways from learning to meaningful work.

At its core, MNIT is designed to equip young South Africans particularly those from underserved communities with the skills needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital economy. The institute will offer specialised training in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, data science, cloud engineering and digital marketing. It will also introduce programmes in financial and professional services, including banking, insurance and financial markets. What sets the institute apart is its demand-driven model. Industry leaders and technology companies are expected to work closely with educators to co-design curricula aligned with real-world skills shortages. This approach aims to ensure that graduates are not only qualified, but also employable in critical sectors of the economy.

Speaking at the launch, Taddy Blecher, CEO of the Maharishi Invincibility Institute, described the project as a bold investment in the country’s future. “This is more than a building; it is a promise to our youth that they will not be left behind by the AI revolution,” he said. “For two decades, we have shown that when young people are given the right opportunities, they can compete at the highest levels.” The Frankels echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that the initiative will help position Johannesburg as one of Africa’s leading technology capitals.“We believe in a future where Johannesburg becomes a pre-eminent tech hub on the continent,” they said. “By investing in infrastructure and cutting-edge programmes, we are helping to nurture the next generation of tech leaders who will drive South Africa’s digital economy forward.”

Beyond education, the initiative is also playing a role in urban renewal. The Maharishi Invincibility Institute is a key partner in the Jozi My Jozi coalition, which brings together businesses, communities and government to restore the economic vitality of the inner city. Several projects have already been rolled out under the Education Town banner, including the development of a full-size football field in the CBD, expanded security training programmes for young people, and the installation of solar-powered street lighting to improve safety for thousands of students.

As the institute grows, it is expected to reach full capacity within five years. Leaders behind the project believe it could serve as a blueprint for similar tech-focused education hubs across South Africa.