LEARNER AGREEMENT
Talent Acceleration Programme (TAP)
Provider: Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd
Company Registration Number: 2016/080628/07
Effective Date: On acceptance of these terms and conditions
1. INTRODUCTION
This Tuition Agreement and Terms and Conditions ("Agreement") governs the relationship between Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd ("Think Tank", "T2", "we", "us", or "our") and the student or applicant ("Learner", "you", or "your") enrolled in the Talent Acceleration Programme ("Programme").
By submitting an application, registering for the Programme, checking the acceptance box, or continuing with enrolment, the Learner confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by this Agreement.
2. PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
The Talent Acceleration Programme is designed to equip learners with relevant skills, training, learning resources, support, and pathways to employment opportunities.
The Programme is offered on a Learn Now, Pay Later basis, subject to the terms set out in this Agreement.
2.1 Eligibility
To qualify for the Programme, the Learner must be at least 18 years old and not older than 32 years old at the time of application.
2.2 Application and Supporting Information
As part of the application and onboarding process, the Learner must provide complete and accurate information, including but not limited to:
- full personal details;
- current employment status;
- at least two next of kin, including each next of kin's name, surname, and contact number;
- the total number of active bank accounts held by the Learner; and
- a bank account confirmation letter for each active bank account disclosed by the Learner.
Think Tank may request additional supporting documents reasonably necessary to assess eligibility, risk, compliance, affordability, identity, programme integrity, and ongoing participation.
3. PROGRAMME FEES
3.1 Registration Fee
A standard non-refundable registration fee of R850 is payable upon registration.
3.2 Monthly Commitment Fee
The Learner agrees to pay a monthly commitment fee of R1,000 (one thousand rand) per month, excluding VAT, for the full duration of the Programme, being 12 months.
3.3 Programme Cost Breakdown
- Total cost excluding VAT: R65,217.39
- VAT amount: R9,782.61
- Grand total including VAT: R75,000
3.4 Reduction of Outstanding Balance
All monthly commitment fees paid by the Learner will reduce the total Programme cost of R75,000.
3.5 Value Added Tax (VAT)
Where applicable, VAT may be added in accordance with South African tax laws. Any VAT treatment will be clearly communicated by Think Tank.
4. LEARN NOW, PAY LATER MODEL
The Programme is offered on a Learn Now, Pay Later basis, meaning the Learner is allowed to commence and continue with training while paying the agreed fees over time, subject to compliance with this Agreement.
The Learner acknowledges that:
- the Programme has a full value of R75,000;
- the monthly commitment fees are part-payment toward that full value; and
- any outstanding balance remains due in accordance with this Agreement, unless expressly waived under this Agreement.
5. LEARNER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Learner agrees to:
- attend classes, workshops, assessments, and other scheduled Programme activities;
- complete all required coursework, assignments, projects, and practical tasks on time;
- actively participate in the Programme and make a genuine effort to succeed;
- prepare for and write all relevant exams or assessments;
- comply with all Programme rules, policies, deadlines, academic requirements, and code of conduct;
- communicate timeously in writing with Think Tank regarding any difficulties affecting attendance, performance, or completion;
- maintain professional conduct throughout the Programme;
- provide accurate and complete information during registration and throughout participation;
- participate in work-readiness, interview preparation, placement support, and related employability processes in good faith;
- disclose any employment, self-employment, freelance work, contract work, or income-generating activity in accordance with this Agreement; and
- keep contact details current for the duration of the Programme and for 24 months after completion or cancellation.
The Learner understands that successful completion of the Programme depends partly on their own commitment, discipline, attendance, effort, performance, and compliance.
6. THINK TANK ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Think Tank agrees to:
- provide training as outlined in the Programme;
- provide learning resources reasonably required for the Programme;
- provide academic and learner support made available as part of the Programme;
- support learners toward successful completion of the Programme and passing relevant assessments or exams; and
- use reasonable efforts to assist qualifying learners in securing employment opportunities before the Programme ends or within 12 months after completion of the Programme.
For avoidance of doubt, Think Tank's placement support is a reasonable-efforts undertaking and not an absolute warranty of employment.
7. PAYMENT STRUCTURE AND EMPLOYMENT-BASED REPAYMENT
7.1 Programme Fee
The total cost of the Programme is R75,000.
7.2 Monthly Commitment Fee During Training
For the first 12 months of the Programme, while the Learner is undergoing training, the Learner will pay a monthly commitment fee of R1,000 excluding VAT per month. These monthly commitment fees will be credited towards the total Programme cost of R75,000, thereby reducing the outstanding balance.
7.3 Learn Now, Pay Later Structure
The Learner acknowledges that the Programme is offered on a Learn Now, Pay Later basis.
This means that:
- during the 12-month training period, the Learner only pays the monthly commitment fee of R1,000 excluding VAT per month; and
- the remaining balance of the total Programme fee becomes payable only after the Learner has secured employment, whether through Think Tank's efforts or through the Learner's own efforts, unless a waiver expressly applies under this Agreement.
7.4 Repayment of Remaining Balance After Employment
After completion of the 12-month training period, and once the Learner has secured employment, the Learner will be required to repay the remaining outstanding balance of the Programme fee.
The remaining outstanding balance will be the total Programme fee of R75,000, less all monthly commitment fees already paid by the Learner during the training period.
This remaining balance shall be repaid over a period of 24 months, unless Think Tank agrees otherwise in writing.
7.5 Employment Secured by Think Tank or by the Learner
The Learner agrees that the remaining balance becomes payable once employment has been secured, regardless of whether:
- Think Tank secured the job opportunity for the Learner; or
- the Learner secured employment independently.
In either case, once the Learner becomes employed after or upon completion of the Programme, the remaining outstanding balance must be paid in accordance with the agreed 24-month repayment period.
7.6 If No Employment Is Secured
Where the Learner:
- was unemployed at the time of enrolment;
- successfully completed the Programme; and
- has not secured employment within 12 months after completion of training, whether through Think Tank's efforts or through the Learner's own efforts,
then the Learner will not be required to pay the remaining outstanding balance of the Programme fees.
This waiver applies only to the unpaid outstanding balance and does not entitle the Learner to a refund of any amounts already paid.
7.7 Conditions for Waiver
The waiver in clause 7.6 will apply only if the Learner:
- successfully completed the Programme;
- complied with attendance, coursework, assessment, and exam requirements;
- participated fully in the work-readiness and placement support processes;
- did not unreasonably refuse suitable employment opportunities;
- accurately disclosed employment and income as required;
- remained in good standing with Think Tank throughout the Programme; and
- complied with the verification and information requirements in this Agreement.
7.8 Learners Already Employed
Where a Learner is already employed at the time of application, enrolment, or during the Programme:
- Think Tank does not guarantee any job opportunity, placement, or alternative employment outcome for that Learner;
- the employment-based waiver in clause 7.6 does not apply to that Learner; and
- the full Programme fees, less amounts already paid, become payable immediately upon completion of the Programme, subject to any written repayment arrangement expressly approved by Think Tank.
8. COMPLETION OF PROGRAMME
A Learner will be regarded as having completed the Programme only once they have met the academic, attendance, assessment, and participation requirements set by Think Tank.
Think Tank reserves the right to determine whether the Learner has successfully completed the Programme in accordance with published requirements.
9. CANCELLATION POLICY
9.1 Notice Period
If the Learner wishes to cancel participation in the Programme, the Learner must provide 3 calendar months' written notice to Think Tank.
9.2 Liability Upon Cancellation
If the Learner cancels the Programme before completion, the Learner will be liable for:
- all fees already due and unpaid up to the cancellation date; and
- 65% of the remaining outstanding Programme fees after taking into account payments already made.
9.3 Form of Cancellation
Cancellation must be submitted in writing to the official email address or platform designated by Think Tank. Cancellation will only be regarded as valid once acknowledged by Think Tank in writing.
Designated email address: cancellation@thinkt.co.za
9.4 Effect of Cancellation
Upon cancellation:
- the Learner may lose access to classes, support, systems, learning materials, and Programme benefits; and
- Think Tank may immediately suspend or terminate the Learner's participation, depending on the effective cancellation date and outstanding obligations.
10. NON-PAYMENT, RISK SCENARIOS, AND PROTECTIVE FRAMEWORK
10.1 General Non-Payment Rights
If the Learner fails to make required payments in terms of this Agreement, Think Tank reserves the right, where legally permitted, to:
- suspend access to parts of the Programme;
- withhold certain services, benefits, vouchers, certifications support, or platform access;
- engage with the Learner to arrange payment;
- add arrears to the outstanding balance where applicable; and
- recover any amounts lawfully due.
Nothing in this clause limits any rights that the Learner may have under applicable law.
10.2 Early Programme Withdrawal
Example scenario: A learner exits the Programme after receiving certifications or gaining sufficient knowledge to secure employment independently, without completing the agreed commitment period.
Clause: Learners agree to a minimum Programme commitment period of 12 months at the time of enrolment. Early withdrawal does not extinguish the obligation to pay fees already due or other amounts lawfully owing under this Agreement. Where a learner withdraws, the cancellation terms under clause 9 apply.
10.3 Non-Attendance
Example scenario: A learner enrols, pays the registration fee, and stops attending virtual classes without formally withdrawing.
Clause: Programme fees are not conditional upon attendance. Failure to attend scheduled sessions, workshops, or assessments does not cancel, reduce, or suspend the Learner's financial obligations. Non-attendance may also result in the Learner forfeiting eligibility for any employment-contingent fee waiver.
10.4 Passive Participation
Example scenario: A learner attends sessions but does not submit assignments, complete projects, or engage meaningfully with the Programme.
Clause: Learners are contractually required to actively engage in all coursework, assessments, and Programme activities. Mere presence without substantive participation does not constitute compliance and may result in loss of waiver eligibility and other remedies available to Think Tank.
10.5 Deliberate Non-Completion to Avoid Payment
Example scenario: A learner intentionally fails to submit final assessments or complete Programme milestones in an attempt to remain "incomplete" and avoid post-employment repayment obligations.
Clause: Programme completion status is assessed by Think Tank against published academic and attendance requirements. Deliberate or negligent non-completion does not relieve the Learner of financial obligations otherwise arising under this Agreement.
10.6 Abandonment Without Notice
Example scenario: A learner stops engaging with the Programme entirely for an extended period without formally cancelling.
Clause: Where a Learner has been unresponsive or absent for a continuous period of 30 calendar days without a written explanation accepted by Think Tank, Think Tank may deem the Learner to have voluntarily abandoned the Programme. In such cases, clause 9 may be applied, after reasonable attempts to contact the Learner.
10.7 Certification Exam Failure
Example scenario: A learner fails one or more certification exams and argues that payment obligations should not apply because the intended qualification was not achieved.
Clause: Programme fees cover the delivery of training, learning resources, exam readiness support, exam vouchers where included, and career placement support. They do not guarantee certification outcomes. Exam failure does not reduce, defer, or cancel the Learner's financial obligations.
10.8 Delayed Certification Exams
Example scenario: A learner completes training but delays sitting certification exams and argues that the Programme is incomplete.
Clause: Programme completion is determined by Think Tank based on attendance, coursework performance, assessments, and internal Programme requirements. Completion is not contingent on the Learner's personal scheduling of external certification exams.
10.9 Strategic Extraction of Exam Vouchers or Benefits
Example scenario: A learner enrols primarily to obtain specific exam vouchers, benefits, or access, then withdraws or ceases participation.
Clause: Exam vouchers and similar benefits may be released progressively in accordance with milestones and participation requirements set by Think Tank. Withdrawal after receiving such benefits does not exempt the Learner from financial obligations and may constitute misuse of Programme resources.
10.10 Programme Value Disputes
Example scenario: A learner argues that the Programme did not provide sufficient value relative to its cost and refuses to pay or seeks a refund.
Clause: The Programme fee reflects the total value of training, resources, support, employability services, potential certification preparation, and platform access. Dissatisfaction with subjective outcomes does not entitle the Learner to withhold payment or claim a refund where Think Tank has substantially delivered the contracted Programme elements.
10.11 False or Misleading Information at Registration
Example scenario: A learner provides incorrect personal details, qualifications, income information, or employment status during the application process.
Clause: Submission of false, misleading, or materially incomplete information constitutes a breach of this Agreement. Think Tank may suspend, cancel, or terminate enrolment upon discovery of inaccurate registration information, and any financial obligations already incurred remain enforceable.
10.12 Failure to Report Employment
Example scenario: A learner secures employment during or after the Programme but does not disclose this to Think Tank.
Clause: Learners must report any employment, part-time work, contract work, self-employment, freelance income, consulting income, stipends linked to work, or other remunerated activity to Think Tank within 14 calendar days of commencement. Failure to disclose constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.
10.13 Employment Obtained Independently
Example scenario: A learner secures employment through their own efforts and argues that payment obligations only apply if Think Tank placed them.
Clause: The repayment obligation is triggered by the Learner's employment, not by the source of the opportunity.
10.14 Freelance, Contract, or Self-Employment
Example scenario: A learner begins earning income through freelance projects, contract work, or self-employment but claims to be unemployed.
Clause: For purposes of this Agreement, "employment" includes all forms of remunerated work, including permanent, fixed-term, part-time, casual, freelance, consulting, entrepreneurial, and self-employment income.
10.15 Remote or International Employment
Example scenario: A learner secures remote work for a foreign employer or relocates internationally and claims South African repayment obligations do not apply.
Clause: Payment obligations under this Agreement are not affected by the geographic location of the Learner or employer. Remote work, offshore contracts, and international employment remain included.
10.16 Income Concealment or Misrepresentation
Example scenario: A learner conceals or understates income to avoid or reduce repayment obligations.
Clause: Learners are required to accurately and honestly disclose employment status and income when reasonably requested by Think Tank. Material misrepresentation may constitute breach of contract and may result in enforcement action.
10.17 Refusal of Suitable Employment Opportunities
Example scenario: A learner repeatedly declines job opportunities presented by Think Tank without valid justification in an attempt to remain unemployed and qualify for a fee waiver.
Clause: Learners must engage in good faith with reasonable employment opportunities presented by Think Tank. Repeated or unjustified refusal of suitable opportunities may disqualify the Learner from any waiver.
10.18 Unsuitability Objections
Example scenario: A learner rejects job opportunities on vague or pretextual grounds.
Clause: If a Learner disputes the suitability of an opportunity, the Learner must provide a written explanation within 7 business days of the opportunity being presented. Think Tank will consider the objection in good faith. Unsubstantiated objections do not affect the Learner's payment obligations.
10.19 Failure to Attend Arranged Interviews
Example scenario: A learner fails to attend interviews arranged through Think Tank without notice or valid reason.
Clause: Learners must attend arranged interviews and give at least 48 hours' prior written notice where attendance is not possible, together with a valid reason. Repeated unexplained non-attendance may disqualify the Learner from any fee waiver.
10.20 Disengagement from Work-Readiness Processes
Example scenario: A learner stops participating in work-readiness training, CV preparation, or mock interviews after completing technical training.
Clause: Participation in work-readiness and placement support is a condition for any employment-contingent waiver. Think Tank may rely on its participation records in any dispute.
10.21 Salary Level Disputes
Example scenario: A learner accepts employment but argues that the salary is too low to afford repayments.
Clause: Repayment obligations are triggered by employment commencement, not by salary level. Any restructuring or temporary accommodation is at Think Tank's discretion and must be agreed in writing.
10.22 Short-Term Employment or Job Loss
Example scenario: A learner starts work, repayment is triggered, and the learner later loses that job.
Clause: Once repayment has been triggered by commencement of employment, it does not automatically suspend because of later job loss. Think Tank may, in its discretion, consider a temporary payment arrangement where sufficient proof is provided.
10.23 Probationary Employment
Example scenario: A learner begins work on probation and argues that repayment should begin only once probation is passed.
Clause: Commencement of any remunerated employment, including probationary employment, triggers the repayment obligation.
10.24 Financial Hardship Claims
Example scenario: A learner claims inability to pay and requests cancellation of obligations based on hardship.
Clause: Financial hardship does not automatically extinguish payment obligations. Think Tank may, at its sole discretion and where legally permitted, consider a restructured arrangement in writing.
10.25 Chargeback or Payment Reversal
Example scenario: A learner disputes charges with a bank or payment provider after receiving access to the Programme.
Clause: Once access to Programme resources has been granted, the associated fees may be treated as earned to the extent permitted by law. Unauthorised chargebacks or payment reversals may constitute a material breach of this Agreement.
10.26 Non-Payment of Monthly Commitment Fee During Training
Example scenario: A learner stops paying the monthly commitment fee during the 12-month training period.
Clause: The monthly commitment fee remains payable throughout the training period in terms of this Agreement. Non-payment may result in suspension of access, withholding of benefits where legally permitted, and loss of waiver eligibility.
10.27 Loss of Contact
Example scenario: A learner becomes unreachable and stops responding to calls, emails, or platform messages.
Clause: Learners must maintain current and accurate contact information throughout the Programme and for 24 months after completion or cancellation. Notices sent to the Learner's last known contact details may be treated as delivered, subject to applicable law.
10.28 Relocation
Example scenario: A learner moves to another city or country and claims this affects obligations.
Clause: Relocation does not constitute grounds for deferral, reduction, or cancellation of outstanding fees.
10.29 Employment Guarantee Misinterpretation
Example scenario: A learner claims that Think Tank guaranteed employment and seeks damages or a refund if employment is not secured.
Clause: Think Tank undertakes to use reasonable efforts to assist qualifying learners to secure employment opportunities. This is not an absolute guarantee of employment. The fee-waiver mechanism, where applicable, is the agreed employment-related protection under this Agreement.
10.30 Waiver Claimed Without Compliance
Example scenario: A learner who did not comply with Programme requirements claims entitlement to the fee waiver.
Clause: The waiver only applies where the Learner fully complied with academic, attendance, verification, placement participation, disclosure, and good-standing requirements under this Agreement.
11. CODE OF CONDUCT
The Learner agrees to behave respectfully and professionally toward staff, facilitators, employers, and fellow learners.
Think Tank may suspend or remove a Learner from the Programme for serious misconduct, dishonesty, harassment, repeated non-participation, academic dishonesty, session disruption, unlawful sharing of access credentials, or other material breaches of this Agreement. In such cases, financial obligations may still remain applicable.
12. ACCURACY OF INFORMATION, VERIFICATION, CONSENT, AND PRIVACY
12.1 Accuracy of Information
The Learner confirms that all information submitted to Think Tank is true, correct, and complete. Any false, misleading, or incomplete information may result in suspension, cancellation, or removal from the Programme.
12.2 Consent to Verification Checks
The Learner expressly consents to Think Tank conducting verification checks, on application, during the Programme, at completion, and at any time for a period of up to 24 months from the date of acceptance of this Agreement or, where relevant to payment, for up to 24 months after completion or cancellation, for lawful Programme administration, risk management, fraud prevention, and contractual enforcement purposes.
Such checks may include, where lawful and reasonably necessary:
- identity verification;
- qualification verification;
- current and previous employment verification;
- reference checks;
- credit-related affordability or risk checks where applicable;
- criminal record checks where lawfully permissible and properly consented to;
- verification of bank account ownership and account information; and
- any related authenticity checks regarding documents submitted by the Learner.
POPIA allows personal information processing where there is consent or another lawful basis, requires the information to be relevant and not excessive, and gives the data subject rights to object and request correction or deletion in certain circumstances. SAQA verification processes are also consent-based in practice.
12.3 Bank Statements and Financial Verification
The Learner acknowledges and agrees that Think Tank may, at any time during the Programme and for a period of up to 12 months after completion of the Programme, request bank statements from all bank accounts owned or controlled by the Learner, together with any related bank confirmation letters or supporting documents, where reasonably necessary for:
- verification of employment or income;
- confirmation of bank account ownership;
- fraud prevention;
- payment assessment or recovery;
- investigation of undisclosed income; or
- enforcement of this Agreement.
The Learner must accurately disclose the total number of active bank accounts held by the Learner and provide a bank account confirmation letter for each such account.
12.4 POPIA Compliance
Think Tank will process the Learner's personal information in accordance with applicable South African law, including POPIA, and will only process information to the extent reasonably necessary for application assessment, Programme delivery, verification, administration, placement support, compliance, debt management, and enforcement of this Agreement. POPIA requires lawful processing and gives data subjects access to objection and correction mechanisms.
12.5 No Unauthorised Access
Think Tank acknowledges that unauthorised access to another person's employment records or personal information is unlawful. Any verification or information request will be performed only with the Learner's consent, another lawful basis, or as otherwise permitted by applicable law.
13. AMENDMENTS
Think Tank may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time where reasonably necessary. The latest version will be made available to Learners. Continued participation in the Programme after such update may constitute acceptance of the revised terms, subject to applicable law.
14. LIMITATION AND FAIR APPLICATION
Think Tank will apply these Terms fairly and reasonably. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to remove any rights the Learner may have under applicable South African law.
15. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement will be governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
16. ACCEPTANCE
By selecting the acceptance checkbox, submitting an application, registering for the Programme, or continuing with enrolment, the Learner confirms that they:
- have read and understood this Learner Agreement and Terms and Conditions;
- agree to be bound by it;
- understand the Programme fees, payment obligations, cancellation terms, verification obligations, and employment-support conditions; and
- consent to the verification, data-processing, and compliance provisions contained in this Agreement, subject to applicable law.