BEYOND THE SCREEN

Empowering youth through digital creativity, storytelling and remote work readiness.

We are transforming digital exposure into digital opportunity by equipping young people with practical skills in social media management, content creation and creative communication creating pathways into the growing digital creative economy.

Why Beyond the Screen?

Eastern Cape is digitally connected but remain economically excluded.

The Problem We're Solving

  • Young people within the Eastern Cape continue to face limited access to:

    • digital career exposure

    • creative mentorship

    • practical digital skills development

    • and remote work opportunities.

  • Many youth who complete matric remain unemployed or enter limited local industries such as:

    • retail,

    • hospitality,

    • farm work,

    • and seasonal employment.

  • Communities also continue to experience:

    • youth unemployment,

    • substance abuse,

    • petty crime,

    • and limited economic participation opportunities.

Why Beyond the Screen?

Many of our local businesses remain digitally active without strategic storytelling, audience engagement or social media management support.

The digital economy has created opportunities beyond geography.

Remote work, digital storytelling and online collaboration are creating accessible creative pathways for young people in underserved communities.

SM Digital Agency already operates as a remote-first collaborative creative agency working with both local and international clients. And has opportunity to take on more teams to operate within the agency.

The programme aims to:

  • introduce youth to accessible digital career pathways,

  • develop practical creative communication skills,

  • expose participants to real agency-based workflows,

  • and create pathways toward freelance and remote creative opportunities.

Beyond The Screen seeks to transform digital exposure into meaningful economic participation for young people within underserved communities.

What Does the Programme Include?

  • We aim to provide the essential digital resources, including laptops and internet connectivity that participants need to enter and participate in the digital economy.

    Access

  • Participants receive practical training in social media management, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to work professionally with businesses.

    Skills

  • Participants apply what they learn by working with real businesses, gaining practical experience and exposure to real client requirements.

    Real Experience

  • We connect participants with a client opportunity, creating a pathway from learning and experience to their first income.

    First Opportunity

  • Our goal is long-term impact. Participants leave with the skills, experience and foundation to continue within SM Digital, build their own client base or pursue opportunities within the wider digital industry.

    Sustainable Careers

Meet Our First Three Incubatees

The programme is already moving beyond an idea.

Our first three incubatees are the beginning of the Beyond the Screen journey. Their stories allow us to see what happens when potential is met with intentional support, access and opportunity.

  • Siya Hlebani

    CREATING A PATHWAY BETWEEN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

    As a recent graduate and student, Siya needed an opportunity to gain relevant professional experience while continuing his studies. Through Beyond the Screen, he has been able to work remotely, earn an income and gain practical experience in a field that aligns with his long-term career goals.

  • Yamkela Ncandana

    TURNING DIGITAL INFLUENCE INTO PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITY.

    Yamkela has built a significant audience on Facebook and has explored various forms of work, including retail and independent projects. Beyond the Screen is helping her transform her existing digital presence into a professional skillset — providing her with a laptop, practical training and the knowledge to approach social media strategically for businesses.

  • Zininzi Mpongwana

    CREATING POSSIBILITIES BEYOND GEOGRAPHICAL LIMITATIONS.

    After relocating to Korea in pursuit of career opportunities that were difficult to access locally, Zininzi has gained experience working remotely. Beyond the Screen is helping create a future where she can continue building her career remotely, while opening the possibility of returning home without having to give up the professional opportunities she has worked to create.

Select the service that resonates with your refined sensibilities, then claim the time that suits your rhythm.

Book Now