“This Is a Real Plug”: Mzansi Woman Plugs Free IBM Tech Courses, and Mzansi Can’t Believe Their Luck

“This Is a Real Plug”: Mzansi Woman Plugs Free IBM Tech Courses, and Mzansi Can’t Believe Their Luck

  • A young woman’s TikTok post unlocked global learning opportunities for thousands of South Africans desperate for affordable ways to break into the tech industry
  • She shared free IBM courses and sparked massive interest among students and unemployed graduates in search of skills that could change their futures
  • Mzansi flooded her comment section with gratitude and questions after discovering credible tech training without expensive fees or hidden costs

Don't miss out! Join Briefly News Sports channel on WhatsApp now!

South Africans hunting for skills and career breakthroughs got a major boost on 7 February 2026 after a tech enthusiast revealed that IBM is offering free online courses.

Lepang
Lepang In Tech, known as @lepangaphiri, shared free IBM tech courses online, giving thousands of South Africans access to global digital skills. Images: @lepangaphiri
Source: TikTok

The opportunity was shared by a young woman known on TikTok as Lepang In Tech. Lepang, under the handle @lepangaphiri, alerted her followers to free IBM courses in cybersecurity, data science, IT support, project management and web development. The post sparked interest among South Africans struggling with limited access to affordable education.

Read also

Take home salary of BI developer left many stunned and unimpressed by the deductions

Lepang, who regularly shares tech tips and graduate internship opportunities, has built a growing online community focused on digital skills and career access. Her content often targets young South Africans who lack access to information about bursaries, internships and online education platforms.

With tuition fees increasing almost every year, free and credible online courses have become a lifeline for people seeking to upskill or reskill into more sustainable careers. The revelation that IBM, one of the world’s most respected technology firms, is offering hundreds of free courses online instantly elevated the buzz.

PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!

IBM Training currently offers 24 structured learning paths and over 580 free courses covering various tech fields. These courses are designed to equip individuals with job-ready skills. They also offer foundational knowledge aligned with industry demands.

Why this matters for Mzansi’s tech dream

According to a report by ITWeb, South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains among the highest in the world. However, tech jobs continue to dominate global recruitment trends.

IBM, short for International Business Machines Corporation, is a global technology and consulting powerhouse known for its work in IT infrastructure solutions. The company has a long history of innovation, which includes contributions to the development of ATMs and modern data storage technologies. Its training programmes are widely recognised.

Read also

“It’s nothing, bro”: Man reveals senior Java developer payslip, SA reacts to tech industry earnings

Watch the TikTok video below:

Mzansi weighs in on the plug

Aspiring developers, analysts and cybersecurity enthusiasts began commenting under the post with questions about registration and certification. Some shared personal stories of unemployment.

@KORV commented:

“People must do a networking course and a little bit of programming before Cybersecurity, or else you'll always be confused.”

@Nthabee🥰 said:

“I have all these and an IT Degree. I am still struggling to find a job.”

@Vee | Tech & AI Automation wrote:

“This is a a plug, I swear.🔥”

@Lefixx:

“We don’t have to pay for certification? Most platforms allow you to study for free and complete the full course content, but you pay for the certificate.”

@LivingLoveLee:

“Thanks, queen.”
Lepang In Tech
Lepang In Tech sharing tips for newly matriculated learners. Image: @lepangaphiri
Source: TikTok

More plugs on Briefly News

  • Briefly News previously reported that a food, travel, and events content creator shared a video visiting a Centurion factory shop that supplies mattresses and bedding to hotels and Airbnbs.
  • A beauty and fashion content creator shared details about Crocs' birthday sale on 22 October 2025
  • A mother left the internet in disbelief after revealing that a popular body lotion is the secret behind her daughter’s stunning hair transformation.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Jim Mohlala avatar

Jim Mohlala (Editor) Jim Mohlala is a Human Interest writer for Briefly News (joined in 2025). Mohlala holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Leadership and Innovation and an Advanced Diploma in Journalism from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He started his career working at the Daily Maverick and has written for the Sunday Times/TimesLIVE. Jim has several years of experience covering social justice, crime and community stories. You can reach him at jim.mohlala@briefly.co.za