In a rapidly evolving digital economy, equipping young people with cutting-edge skills is no longer optional—it’s essential. WeThinkCode_, a South African non-profit organisation and renowned tech talent incubator, is doing exactly that by offering a full-time, tuition-free software engineering Youth Development programme tailored to driven individuals who want to break into the tech industry. With its focus on innovation, inclusion, and merit-based access, WeThinkCode_ has become a gateway for future-ready careers in software development, attracting applicants from across South Africa and beyond.
About WeThinkCode_
Established in 2015, WeThinkCode_ has earned a strong reputation as one of the country’s most innovative technology education institutions. With campuses located in key cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, the programme is designed to address the digital skills gap by providing high-potential youth with rigorous software engineering training, real-world experience, and job placement opportunities in top-tier tech companies.
The organisation’s model disrupts conventional education pathways by eliminating financial barriers and entry requirements such as formal qualifications or prior experience. Instead, WeThinkCode_ focuses on aptitude, grit, and a deep curiosity for technology. The goal is clear: to develop a new generation of software engineers who are not only technically proficient but also equipped with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in the modern workplace.
Application Requirements
To ensure the programme is accessible yet competitive, WeThinkCode_ has outlined a clear set of application requirements. These are designed to attract dedicated individuals who are prepared to commit to full-time training and a demanding curriculum.
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Age: Applicants should be between 17 and 35 years old. This broad age range reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity and second-chance learning opportunities.
- Legal Documents: Applicants must hold one of the following valid documents:
- A South African ID
- A valid passport accompanied by a work permit
- A valid asylum seekers’ permit
Furthermore, as this is a full-time programme, applicants must not be currently employed or studying elsewhere. Full-time commitment is essential, as the programme requires total immersion to maximise learning and growth.
Youth Development Programme Requirements
In addition to the eligibility criteria, applicants are expected to have access to basic digital tools, which include:
- A smartphone or computer with a stable internet connection.
- An email address—which can be created for free using popular platforms such as Gmail or Outlook.
- A valid South African mobile number, which will be used for communication during the selection and onboarding process.
These technical requirements ensure that applicants are prepared to engage with the digital learning platforms and communication systems used throughout the programme.
Data Privacy and Policy Compliance
Applicants are required to accept WeThinkCode_’s privacy policy and its PAIA/POPI manual, which outlines how the organisation collects, processes, and protects personal data in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). This transparency fosters trust and ensures applicants understand how their information will be managed.
Interested individuals can review the following documents before applying:
By accepting these policies, applicants affirm their consent to data processing for the purposes of application, training, and post-graduation employment support.
What Sets WeThinkCode_ Apart?
WeThinkCode_ stands out in several ways:
- Zero Tuition Fees: The programme is completely free, ensuring that financial constraints do not block talent from accessing world-class education.
- Employer Partnerships: Graduates are connected with employment opportunities at partner companies, including major banks, telecoms, and fintech firms.
- Diversity and Inclusion: The programme is intentionally inclusive, welcoming students from varied educational backgrounds, including those without matric or a university degree.
- Real-World Learning: Students engage in peer-to-peer learning, hackathons, industry mentorship, and internship placements, which simulate real-world tech environments.
- Merit-Based Selection: Entry is determined through aptitude tests and bootcamps rather than academic transcripts, helping discover raw talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Application Journey
The application process is structured to assess logical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and learning potential rather than prior coding experience. Here is a typical application path:
- Online Application: Applicants complete a form via the WeThinkCode_ website and submit their basic details.
- Aptitude Testing: Candidates complete a series of online logic games and assessments to evaluate their problem-solving skills.
- Bootcamp Phase: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an intensive coding bootcamp, where they are introduced to basic programming concepts and assessed on their ability to learn and collaborate.
- Final Selection: Those who successfully complete the bootcamp are offered a spot in the programme.
Throughout this process, WeThinkCode_ provides guidance, FAQs, and a supportive community to help candidates succeed.
Training and Outcomes
Once enrolled, students embark on an intensive full-time journey that spans two years. The curriculum covers core areas such as:
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, C, Java)
- Data structures and algorithms
- Web development
- Databases
- Systems programming
- Software engineering principles
- Agile methodologies
- Problem-solving in team environments
Graduates leave with not only technical proficiency but also the soft skills demanded by today’s job market, including teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
According to WeThinkCode_’s internal data, over 85% of graduates secure employment within months of completing the programme. Alumni have gone on to work at companies such as Standard Bank, Telkom, and BCX, among many others.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted via the official WeThinkCode_ portal at: https://www.wethinkcode.co.za/apply
Applicants are encouraged to prepare well in advance by:
- Ensuring access to a stable internet connection and a working device
- Creating a Gmail or Outlook email account if they don’t already have one
- Reading the privacy and data policy documents
- Practising logic-based puzzles to enhance problem-solving ability
The application process is ongoing, with new cohorts starting periodically throughout the year. Early application is advised due to the programme’s popularity and limited capacity.
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In a country where youth unemployment remains critically high, initiatives like WeThinkCode_ are more than just educational programmes—they are lifelines. By removing traditional barriers to entry and focusing on potential, WeThinkCode_ is rewriting the rules of access to opportunity in South Africa’s digital economy.
Young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are passionate about coding and ready to commit to a transformative journey are strongly encouraged to apply. Whether a school leaver, a gap-year seeker, or someone looking for a fresh start, this full-time, fully sponsored programme offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to enter the tech space and build a sustainable future.
If you have the grit, the curiosity, and the willingness to learn—WeThinkCode_ is ready to open the door. The only question is: are you ready to walk through it?
