Sharon Simphiwe Khoza

Sharon Simphiwe Khoza, 29, is a national advocate for digital empowerment. After completing a course in end-user computing and office administration, her career began as a call centre agent — an experience that taught her perseverance. Today, as a facilitator at Siyafunda Community Technology  Centre, she runs digital skills training, coding, robotics and online safety workshops to diverse groups in all nine provinces. Her work has empowered gender- based violence survivors, special needs learners, senior citizens and women to navigate an increasingly digital world. She believes each training session is not just about technology — it’s about rebuilding confidence, unlocking potential, and showing others that their past does not define their future. Her dedication to bridging the digital divide extends to training educators in coding and robotics aligned with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement, ensuring technology education reaches classrooms and communities alike. Her qualifications span education, facilitation and digital literacy, underscoring her commitment to lifelong learning.

• National Certificate: Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practices (NQF Level 5) – ETDP SETA Accredited
• End User Computing & Office Administration, Thuthukani Ma-Afrika Training Institution
• Diploma in Teaching Skills for Educators, Alison – Online Education Platform
• Digital & Business Skills Certificates:  Huawei AI – Cisco IT Essentials – Cisco New Venture Creation – Cybersecurity Basics – Social Media for Business -Inbound Sales Training – Coding & Robotics Fundamentals

• Successfully facilitated numerous trainings, workshops, and community empowerment sessions across South Africa.
• Delivered coding and robotics training to learners and teachers.
• Equipped GBV survivors with digital skills.
• Provided senior citizens with training in digital literacy.
• Received motivating messages and positive feedback from learners, teachers, and parents on the impact of training.
• Helped participants improve their understanding of technology and money, as well as regain confidence, purpose, and a sense of possibility.

First and foremost, I look up to my mother, my greatest support system. She never gave up on me, even during my most difficult seasons. She encouraged me to inquire about Siyafunda, which led me to complete an IT course—and eventually become one of Siyafunda’s proud facilitators. I also admire Coach Tee, who saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. Through coaching and mentoring, he helped me step confidently into leadership and purpose. The late Uncle Smiley believed in me deeply and was always my biggest cheerleader. His faith in my potential still inspires me today. Mr Sameer has played a pivotal role in my growth through his continuous support and the opportunities he made available to me at Siyafunda. I’m also grateful for my participants, who look up to me and are motivated by my journey—it reminds me to always lead with heart. Lastly, I honour all the stakeholders and colleagues who’ve walked alongside me, including DCDT, my peers, and Jaques from NEMISA. Their support, belief, and collaboration continue to shape the woman and facilitator I am becoming.