Discover how Telkom is transforming education in rural South Africa by connecting learners at Sitoza Senior Secondary School with vital digital tools and resources. Join us as we explore the impact of technology on learning outcomes and the future workforce.
Image: Supplied.
In an era where digital literacy shapes the future, South Africa's learners are being given crucial opportunities to thrive.
Telkom, a frontrunner in digital infrastructure, has taken significant steps to bridge the technology access gap in schools, particularly in under-resourced and rural communities.
The company, in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, handed over 30 laptops and 30 MiFi connectivity devices to Sitoza Senior Secondary School during the relaunch of its ICT laboratory.
Recognised as a beacon of perseverance and academic excellence in the Eastern Cape, Sitoza Senior Secondary School has been celebrated for its unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds.
This latest initiative builds on a transformative year for the school, which saw the official unveiling of campus redevelopment by Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane just a few months ago.
At the handover event, Telkom’s Managing Executive for Business, Lerato Mostoeneng, emphasised the pressing need for the private sector to engage meaningfully with society.
“As a company helping to provide the backbone of South Africa’s digital future through our extensive connectivity footprint, we believe in the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to unlock significant digital opportunities,” she stated.
Telkom said its commitment to educational enhancement is part of a broader initiative, with over R100 million invested in public-private partnerships since 2020 to bolster learning outcomes across South Africa’s schools.
The company’s Connected Schools Programme aims to bridge both historical and digital divides by providing technology and connectivity that supports modern teaching and learning.
Discover how Telkom is transforming education in rural South Africa by connecting learners at Sitoza Senior Secondary School with vital digital tools and resources. Join us as we explore the impact of technology on learning outcomes and the future workforce.
Image: Supplied.
Judy Vilakazi, Head of Telkom Foundation, said, “We cannot begin to meaningfully talk or plan for future digital workforces without first building digital capability within the education ecosystem. We are thrilled to be part of this school’s new beginning, empowering learners with the necessary tools and connectivity to succeed in a digital world.”
Provincial MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, expressed gratitude to Telkom for its dedication to equipping students and teachers with the necessary resources to thrive in digital learning environments. The event attracted a multitude of parents, educators, and community members, all eager to celebrate the school’s achievements and growth.
Malusi Madyolo, Chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB), shared the community’s enthusiasm, and said, “This donation means a great deal to us as a community and as parents. It gives our children access to the tools and skills they need to learn, grow, and build brighter futures.”
Teachers and members of the SGB hailed the investment, noting the upgraded ICT lab’s potential to enhance the integration of technology in education, thus preparing learners for a rapidly evolving digital economy.
ICT teacher Mphathiswa Rhubushe added, “This lab will significantly change how we teach and how our learners engage with their studies. Access to technology allows us to introduce new ways of thinking, research, and collaboration.”
As South Africa strives to create a digitally fluent workforce, initiatives like these not only equip learners with essential skills for the future but also play an instrumental role in fostering a more equitable society.
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