Targeting Grade 9 to 11 learners from Vodacom-supported Schools of Excellence across five provinces (KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga), the Eco-Warriors Competition is more than just a contest. It’s a call to action for young South Africans to design real, tech-enabled solutions to tackle environmental challenges in their schools and communities.

“The solutions to our biggest challenges are already coming from young minds,” says Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director of External and Regulatory Affairs for Vodacom South Africa and Chairperson of the Vodacom Foundation.

“Eco-Warriors is our investment in a generation of problem-solvers who think boldly, act locally, and innovate sustainably. Through this programme, we aim to ignite lifelong purpose and community impact,” adds Netshitenzhe.

READ | Vodacom continues to empower Mpumalanga communities through socioeconomic investment

At the heart of the campaign is Vodacom’s commitment to education, technology, and sustainability. These pillars underpin Vodacom’s purpose to protect the planet while empowering people. The competition supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13).

Learners will form teams and compete on four pressing environmental themes: waste management, energy conservation, water conservation, and biodiversity protection. Entries can include anything from recycling campaigns to solar power innovations or multimedia storytelling that educates and inspires. Vodacom will support students through virtual workshops, learning toolkits, and mentorship sessions.

Submissions will be evaluated on innovation, creativity, use of technology, feasibility, impact, and quality of presentation. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony, with prizes including funding for the top three winning schools and the opportunity to implement their projects as well as exposure on Vodacom’s digital platforms.

ALSO READ | Vodacom invests R620 million to improve connectivity and promote digital inclusion in Mpumalanga

The Eco-Warriors initiative complements Vodacom’s growing ecosystem of purpose-led environmental partnerships. In collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, Vodacom has deployed an e-learning platform to reach underserved communities. Its partnership with Circular Energy champions safe e-waste disposal and recycling, while collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Vodacom is advancing marine conservation using digital tools to promote awareness and preserve marine ecosystems.

“We believe in the power of partnerships to scale impact and support purpose-led interventions such as the Eco-Warriors campaign that advance sustainability goals. By working together across sectors and investing in education initiatives that promote environmental awareness, we can build a more sustainable future,” concludes Netshitenzhe.

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1000 playgrounds at early childhood development centres (ECDs) and primary schools have been upgraded across South Africa, providing safe and engaging play spaces to more than one million children.

To mark this historic 1,000 playgrounds milestone, SASKO hosted a Mandela Day celebration at Ikaneng Combined School in Diepkloof, Soweto – one of the many schools uplifted through the SASKO Siyasizana initiative. 

As part of the Mandela Day activation, SASKO unveiled a special edition loaf made up of 1,000 slices – a symbolic gesture celebrating both the milestone and the late Nelson Mandela’s vision for a better South Africa.

The loaf was used to prepare sandwiches for the children of Ikaneng and a local NGO that supports feeding initiatives for learners in the community, ensuring that the spirit of Mandela Day is not only celebrated, but lived out through caring for our communities. 

SASKO Siyasizana, was launched in 2023, to address the stark inequalities in access to quality play resources at ECD Centres and schools.

The SASKO Siyasizana programme is grounded in Care, with an investment of over R10 million, and supported by SASKO consumers, customers and communities who nominated deserving schools and participated in various schools’ collection programs, has enabled SASKO to reach areas that have long been overlooked.

Schools from Limpopo to Khayelitsha, Soweto to Gqeberha, now boast colourful play zones designed for inclusivity, imagination and joy. 

As part of the celebration, SASKO hosted a panel discussion with key stakeholders to discuss the impact of this and other initiatives which aim to address the needs of children in underserved communities.

Nico Moloto, PepsiCo South Africa’s Corporate Affairs Director, highlighted the value of partnerships when aiming to boost nutrition and food access in our schools.

“As PepsiCo South Africa, we are proud to be able to partner with the Department of Basic Education to supplement its efforts to avoid malnutrition amongst scholars, by running our own Breakfast Nutrition Programme across 35 schools nationally”.

READ | Mapaleni Primary School learners’ dignity restored

Representing the Department of Basic Education, Director of Sports and Enrichment, Given Mabena shared insights into the role of public-sector collaboration in such initiatives 

“An active mind begins with a nourished body and through partnerships like the PepsiCo SA Breakfast Nutrition Programme and the SASKO Siyasizana initiative, we are ensuring that learners, especially in their early years, are equipped to learn through play, explore with energy, and engage meaningfully in the classroom.

These programmes show the power of collaboration between government and the private sector in giving every child the opportunity to thrive physically, cognitively, and socially. When learners are nourished, engaged, and supported through sport and enrichment, we are not just improving education outcomes — we are shaping futures.” Mabena concluded.

This is what putting Care into action looks like,” says Soni. “When consumers, communities, and business come together, we unlock the kind of change that lasts generations.”

With support growing, and communities leading the charge, SASKO Siyasizana continues to prove that sustained care builds more than loyalty. It builds futures.

To join the SASKO Siyasizana movement or learn more, visit www.sasko.co.za/siyasizana.

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This initiative is part of a broader commitment to bridge the digital divide by empowering under-resourced schools with the tools needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Cell C’s CEO, Jorge Mendes, says the company is fully committed to bridging the digital divide in South Africa, through ongoing collaboration with the Department of Education.

“These digital labs don’t just provide evidence of our fight against digital exclusion but also represent the hopes and dreams of the students at Sozama Secondary School, and we are very honoured to be part of an initiative of that does not provide connectivity only but also offers  a gateway to a world of possibilities”, said Mendes.

READ | Local NPO makes ‘Back To School season’ brighter with donations

The fully furnished lab is equipped with 40 laptops powered by Cell C data, enabling uninterrupted access to online learning resources. It also features a high-performance server and a projector to support interactive teaching methods. In addition, the laptops are integrated with the advanced C3 Micro Cloud solution, which provides access to a curriculum-aligned e-learning platform, complete with courses and lesson packs.

MEC for Education, Catherine Dlamini underscored the importance of the digital lab at Sozama Secondary School, stating: “This fully equipped digital lab will bring the students closer to the fourth industrial revolution and equip them with the needed resources to be present and excel in today’s fast-paced digital world. The digital lab will not only fuel the minds that will lead the future of Mpumalanga but hopefully go on to lead our beautiful country.”

This initiative underscores Cell C’s ongoing commitment to inclusive progress through meaningful partnerships. By championing digital education, Cell C is not only advancing access to technology but also actively supporting the government’s Sustainable Development Goals – particularly the drive for quality education and digital equity.

READ | State of the art equipment donated to KaNyamazane TVET College

“Empowering young people with access to digital tools and quality education is one of the most meaningful ways to invest in the future. Initiatives like these, show what’s possible when we focus on creating opportunities that nurture talent, unlock potential, and help build a generation ready to lead in a digital world,” stated Cell C Chairman Joe Mthimunye.

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READ: Mpumalanga Education department receives financial boost

“The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges our girls face on a daily basis as well as to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights and potential. The programme also seeks to empower the girl child on a range of issues from right to a safe, educated, and healthy life during their critical formative years.”

The Imbumba Foundation through their Caring4Girls Programme has led from the front to elevate the plight of the girl-child by promoting a programme to distribute sanitary towels, teaching girls about healthy lifestyles and to ensure that a girl child fully benefits from the schooling system.

ALSO READ: Department welcomes back graduates from Russia

The Imbumba Foundation Eyethu Scholars will be assisting grade 12 learners to apply for university admissions and for bursaries in particular the National Financial Aid Scheme.

Today the team will visit Portia Shabangu Secondary School.

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