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Media release

Media release

Phillipi Village buzzed with innovation this week as Absa, in partnership with Women in Tech South Africa, concluded a transformative hands-on-workshop aimed at demystifying Artificial Intelligence (AI) for local community members.

20 March 2026

The session held at the heart of one of Cape Town’s most vibrant community hubs, marked a significant step in equipping the residents, particularly women and youth, with the tools to thrive in the digital era.

The workshop was designed as a technical lesson and as a platform for empowerment. Participants were guided through the practical applications of AI, exploring how technology can be leveraged to solve everyday challenges, enhance small businesses, and unlock new economic opportunities. By breaking down barriers to entry in the tech space, Absa and Women in Tech SA are actively fostering a more inclusive digital economy that directly benefits the surrounding Phillipi community.

This initiative is a powerful expression of Absa’s purpose – empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time – our deliberate intent to create shared value and ensure sustainable impact. The programme goes beyond skills transfer; it is fundamentally about enabling communities to tell their own stories. By providing access to cutting-edge technology and training, Absa is helping to ensure that Phillipi’s future narrative is written by its own residents using technology and innovation as a transformative agent.

“We believe that true transformation happens when we empower communities to shape their own destinies,” said Joy van Heerden, Chief Information Officer, Functions Technology at Absa Group. “True impact happens when innovation meets lived experience. By making emerging technologies accessible and practical, we’re helping communities move from participation to ownership—using digital tools not only to build businesses and livelihoods, but to tell their own stories and shape their own futures.”

The focus on women and children remains central to the partnership ethos. The workshop provided a supportive environment for female entrepreneurs and young learners to engage with AI, ensuring that the benefits of the digital age are equally distributed. “We are proud to partner with Absa Group for the fourth consecutive year ensuring that young people from the surrounding communities such as Nyanga, Mandalay, Crossroads, Philippi and Gugulethu have access to opportunities in the digital economy,” said Melissa Slaymaker, Africa Regional Director, Women in Tech, Global.

“This centre provides a safe, free space where youth can access computers, internet connectivity, and digital skills training, resources that many would otherwise not have. Each year, more than 6,500 young people benefit from programmes focused on digital literacy, AI awareness, entrepreneurship and job-ready skills,” Melissa commented.

She concluded: “Our mission is simple; we are ensuring that no young person is left behind in the digital age. Through this partnership with Absa, we are helping to unlock potential, build confidence and create pathways for youth to participate meaningfully in the future of work.”

From left – Right

Brigitte Muller, Absa

Jill Bachan, Absa

Melissa Slaymake, Women in Tech

Sandiswa Gwele, Ukhanyo Foundation

Janine Paulsen, Absa

20 March 2026

The session held at the heart of one of Cape Town’s most vibrant community hubs, marked a significant step in equipping the residents, particularly women and youth, with the tools to thrive in the digital era.

The workshop was designed as a technical lesson and as a platform for empowerment. Participants were guided through the practical applications of AI, exploring how technology can be leveraged to solve everyday challenges, enhance small businesses, and unlock new economic opportunities. By breaking down barriers to entry in the tech space, Absa and Women in Tech SA are actively fostering a more inclusive digital economy that directly benefits the surrounding Phillipi community.

This initiative is a powerful expression of Absa’s purpose – empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time – our deliberate intent to create shared value and ensure sustainable impact. The programme goes beyond skills transfer; it is fundamentally about enabling communities to tell their own stories. By providing access to cutting-edge technology and training, Absa is helping to ensure that Phillipi’s future narrative is written by its own residents using technology and innovation as a transformative agent.

“We believe that true transformation happens when we empower communities to shape their own destinies,” said Joy van Heerden, Chief Information Officer, Functions Technology at Absa Group. “True impact happens when innovation meets lived experience. By making emerging technologies accessible and practical, we’re helping communities move from participation to ownership—using digital tools not only to build businesses and livelihoods, but to tell their own stories and shape their own futures.”

The focus on women and children remains central to the partnership ethos. The workshop provided a supportive environment for female entrepreneurs and young learners to engage with AI, ensuring that the benefits of the digital age are equally distributed. “We are proud to partner with Absa Group for the fourth consecutive year ensuring that young people from the surrounding communities such as Nyanga, Mandalay, Crossroads, Philippi and Gugulethu have access to opportunities in the digital economy,” said Melissa Slaymaker, Africa Regional Director, Women in Tech, Global.

“This centre provides a safe, free space where youth can access computers, internet connectivity, and digital skills training, resources that many would otherwise not have. Each year, more than 6,500 young people benefit from programmes focused on digital literacy, AI awareness, entrepreneurship and job-ready skills,” Melissa commented.

She concluded: “Our mission is simple; we are ensuring that no young person is left behind in the digital age. Through this partnership with Absa, we are helping to unlock potential, build confidence and create pathways for youth to participate meaningfully in the future of work.”

From left – Right

Brigitte Muller, Absa

Jill Bachan, Absa

Melissa Slaymake, Women in Tech

Sandiswa Gwele, Ukhanyo Foundation

Janine Paulsen, Absa