Kempton Park ICT leader and doctoral researcher Natasha Prins has launched an innovative education and career development platform to help young people discover their purpose, develop future-ready skills, and prepare for meaningful employment.

The MYFuture App, launched in April 2026, is designed to bridge the gap between schooling and employability by providing learners with personalised career guidance, academic planning, skills development and mentorship opportunities.

Prins, who has more than 23 years’ experience in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, said the initiative was inspired by her passion for helping young people realise their potential.

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Her career has included strategic leadership, digital transformation and the development of scalable technology solutions. She is currently undertaking doctoral research focused on transforming digital training, recruitment and deployment within South Africa’s ICT sector.

“My research showed that if we start developing skills from an early age, we are more likely to raise well-balanced, mentally strong individuals,” said Prins.

“I then created a framework, which was operationalised into the MYFuture App platform.”

According to Prins, every individual has unique potential but often lacks guidance on how to develop it.

“Each individual has been created with greatness, yet many people do not know where to start developing those skills. I wanted to create a platform that speaks to purpose, identity and mastery while contributing to reducing unemployment in our country,” she said.

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Although the platform has already secured a major education partnership in the Western Cape, Prins said it was important to introduce it in her hometown.

“Kempton Park is my home, and I am looking to make a tangible contribution to the community as a whole,” she said.

The mobile-first, data-driven platform has been designed specifically for South African conditions.

It offers low-data functionality, offline-friendly learning modules and content aligned with the CAPS curriculum.

Learners can access career guidance, academic planning, mentorship, internship opportunities, certification programmes, portfolio development tools, research resources and wellbeing support.

“The primary purpose of the MYFuture App is to change the way an individual views their future. The possibilities are available to each and every person if that person is willing to develop mastery one day at a time,” said Prins.

She believes technology should do more than help learners pass examinations.
“Technology should not merely prepare learners for examinations; it should prepare them for life.

“Its greatest value lies in helping learners become self-aware, resilient, skilled and purpose-driven individuals who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society as a whole.”

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A free pilot programme is currently being offered to high schools, technical schools and learning centres in Kempton Park and surrounding areas for learners in Grades 9 to 12 and those aged 15 years and older.

The pilot programme will run until the end of September 2026, with participating schools receiving assistance with learner onboarding, implementation support and full access to the platform at no cost during the pilot period.

Prins believes the initiative can strengthen education and career readiness across the region.

“The greatest opportunity for learners in Kempton Park and Gauteng is to gain earlier access to academic, career and skills-development resources that help bridge the gap between school, tertiary education and meaningful employment,” she said.

She added that the platform is intended to support parents, educators, and learners.

“Even with all the information available today, young people still need individual guidance that shows them the endless possibilities available to them, irrespective of race, demographic or culture.”

Looking ahead, Prins hopes every school will one day have access to a dedicated MYFuture Learning Centre equipped with the technology needed to prepare learners for the future.

“My short-term goal is to equip learners with the tools, guidance and opportunities needed to improve academic performance, explore career options, develop essential skills and prepare for tertiary education and employment.

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“My long-term vision is that every school will have a MYFuture Learning Centre with hardware and connectivity in both well-developed areas and underdeveloped rural communities, starting in South Africa before expanding across Africa and globally.”

Prins said she hopes the platform will help learners discover not only career opportunities but also a stronger sense of identity and purpose.

“My hope is that every learner will develop not only the knowledge and skills needed for success, but also a strong sense of identity, confidence and purpose. When young people understand who they are, recognise their unique gifts and are exposed to meaningful opportunities, they are empowered to build lives of significance and contribute positively to their communities.”

The MYFuture App has already reached a significant milestone through an agreement with the Western Cape Education Department to pilot the platform in 560 high schools across the province.

“Teachers and learners in the Western Cape are excited about the MYFuture App and can already see its value. Like any tool, its success lies in consistent use over the long term,” said Prins.

Schools interested in participating in the free pilot programme can book a demonstration through the MYFuture App website or by emailing natasha@myfutureapp.co.za