Netstar Opens Digital Learning Centre to Empower Inner-City Learners

By Thembi Moyo

JOHANNESBURG – Netstar has officially opened its first Digital Learning Centre in Hillbrow, giving inner-city learners access to coding, robotics and digital skills training aimed at preparing them for future careers in technology. The new centre, based at the BG Alexander Estate in Hillbrow, was launched in partnership with MES (Mould Empower Serve) and forms part of the broader partnership between Altron and the Jozi My Jozi movement to support education and community development in Johannesburg.

The facility is designed mainly for Grade 7 to Grade 9 learners from the inner city, many of whom have limited access to STEM subjects such as coding, robotics and computer literacy outside of school. Learners attending the centre will participate in programmes focused on digital and IT skills, robotics and innovative problem-solving activities aimed at developing critical thinking and creativity.

According to Netstar, the centre will also welcome learners from neighbouring schools during the school day, extending its impact beyond children enrolled in after-school programmes. Incoming Netstar Managing Director Warren Mande said the project was created to provide long-term opportunities for young people rather than short-term corporate donations. “We wanted to build something meaningful and sustainable for the community. This Digital Learning Centre is about creating opportunities for young people who may not normally have access to these kinds of resources,” said Mande. “The learners using this facility today could become the engineers, software developers and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Our responsibility is to help give them a stronger foundation.”

MES (Mould Empower Serve) CEO Leona Pienaar said the project represents more than just a new educational facility for Hillbrow children. “We are opening doors of possibility for children in the inner city. Through coding, robotics and innovative thinking, learners will begin to see that their future is not defined by where they come from, but by the opportunities they are given,” said Pienaar.

She added that partnerships with organisations such as Netstar, Altron and Jozi My Jozi are helping transform ordinary community spaces into places of learning and hope. The Hillbrow facility is the second Digital Learning Centre launched through the Altron and Jozi My Jozi partnership, following the opening of another centre at the Maharishi Invincibility Institute in Marshalltown in October 2025.

Altron Group COO Collin Govender said the initiative forms part of the company’s commitment to giving back to Johannesburg while investing in education and technology development. “Johannesburg has played a major role in Altron’s history and growth. Through projects like this, we are investing in the future of the city and its young people,” Govender said.

Jozi My Jozi CEO Innocent Mabusela described the project as an example of how partnerships between the private sector and community organisations can help rebuild and revitalise Johannesburg’s inner city. “Corporate South Africa has an important role to play in creating opportunities for communities. These learning centres show what can happen when businesses commit to making a real difference,” said Mabusela.

The Digital Learning Centre will operate throughout the year, with organisers hoping it will help learners develop skills that can open doors to future studies and careers in technology and innovation.