On Thursday, 4 June, that changed as the Vodacom Foundation in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Department of Education unveiled a R4 million School of Excellence model (SoE) at the school, aimed at expanding digital learning opportunities for learners with disabilities.

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Speaking during the handover, Vodacom Mpumalanga Managing Executive Monde Ngcukana said the initiative was about more than providing technology. “At Vodacom, we believe that technology has the power to unlock potential and create opportunities for every learner, regardless of their circumstances. This initiative is about dignity, inclusion, and ensuring that no learner is left behind in the digital age,” he said.

Ngcukana said the School of Excellence model forms part of Vodacom’s national education programme, launched in 2019 to support government’s Vision 2030 for education. The programme currently benefits about 40,000 learners across 39 schools nationwide and aims to improve access to quality education through technology-driven solutions.

READ MORE | Vodacom continues to empower Mpumalanga communities through socioeconomic investment

The multimillion-rand project includes 30 computers, a fully installed local area network (LAN), renovated learning facilities, and specialised assistive technologies designed for learners who are deaf, visually impaired, and living with intellectual disabilities.

For visually impaired learner Mthokozisi Mashabane, the new facility represents more than access to computers. “Before Vodacom donated this lab, we faced many challenges, especially when conducting research.

“This could have placed us at a disadvantage when we move on to tertiary education because we were not familiar with using technology tools. I am excited because the lab will help us develop these skills and become more comfortable using technology, which will better prepare us to succeed at university,” said Mashabane.

Department of Education Chief Director for Quality Promotion and Assurance Lorraine Goba said the facility aligns with government’s vision of using technology to improve learning outcomes and prepare learners for an increasingly digital future.

For learners at Silindokuhle, the new facility represents more than just technology, it represents opportunity, inclusion, and the promise of a future where disability is no barrier to success.

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As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, South African fans have a renewed reason to stay engaged with the tournament, even from afar. Opportunities have emerged for supporters to connect more closely with the competition, including the chance to witness the decisive stages live.

READ | Rising star set to raise Mpumalanga flag high at nationals

The semi-finals of the World Cup represent one of the most intense phases in international football, where the final four teams battle for a place in the showpiece final. For players, it is the culmination of years of discipline and sacrifice; for fans, it is football at its most dramatic.

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The iconic World Cup trophy remains the ultimate symbol of achievement in the sport. Lifting it signifies the pinnacle of a footballer’s career, where preparation meets opportunity on the grandest stage.

READ MORE | Football legend Siyabonga Nomvethe empowers youngsters in coaching clinic

While the tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, global fan engagement continues to grow, ensuring that supporters worldwide remain part of the experience. In South Africa, interactive platforms and fan-driven competitions are helping bridge the distance, allowing supporters to participate in the excitement and unpredictability that defines World Cup football.

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At its core, the World Cup is more than just a tournament—it is a celebration of competition, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. Whether on the pitch or in the stands, the spirit of the game belongs to those who show up, support and believe.

Carling Black Label, the official beer of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Africa, has opened a once in a lifetime competition that gives Champion fans an opportunity to experience the semi-finals LIVE.

To enter, Champions Fans can sign-up on www.carlingpredictor.com. You can also purchase a limited-edition promotional pack, available in store now in 750ml returnable bottles and 500ml cans, and follow the directions to register on www.carlingpredictor.com or by dialling *120*660#.

The post Chasing History: The journey to World Cup 2026 heats up appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

“Guided by our purpose to connect people for a better future, Vodacom Mpumalanga is supporting targeted socio-economic programmes, which uplift communities, create opportunities and drive meaningful change. These initiatives span education, youth empowerment, gender-based violence (GBV) response, agricultural development, and disaster relief, helping to build a more empowered and inclusive society in South Africa,” says Monde Ngcukana, Managing Executive for Vodacom Mpumalanga Region.

Transforming education through technology

Recognising the need to advance access to quality education in South Africa, Vodacom has invested more than R17 million in Mpumalanga’s education ecosystem.

This includes upgrading under-resourced schools and Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) and equipping them with cutting-edge technology to promote digital skills development and utilise online learning materials.

The region is home to three Vodacom-supported Schools of Excellence – one of which is a special needs school – and two ECDs, with plans to add another of each this financial year. These Schools of Excellence aim to enable academic excellence and quality education in previously disadvantaged communities.

Each school is supported by at least two ICT coordinators who assist educators and learners in integrating digital tools into the classroom and using them effectively.

To address the growing challenges of GBV, bullying, and mental health in schools in the country, Vodacom, in partnership with the Department of Education, has deployed psycho-social support professionals in Schools of Excellence since 2021. Four psycho-social support professionals have been placed in schools in Mpumalanga to assist both educators and learners with these issues and help create a safe, conducive environment for learning.

Empowering youth with digital skills development

In Mpumalanga, youth unemployment rates exceed 60% in some areas, with the expanded unemployment rate surpassing 43%. Vodacom’s Youth Academy offers NQF Level 4 IT Technical training to young people who cannot afford tertiary education, increasing their employment opportunities in the technology sector. Vodacom Mpumalanga has spent over R5 million to train 171 local youth at the Youth Academy, with 12 students from the province currently enrolled this year. These graduates are placed in Vodacom-supported Schools of Excellence and ECDs as ICT coordinators, where they gain valuable work experience and support digital skills development among the next generation.

Tackling the GBV issue

Vodacom is a strong advocate in the fight against GBV, using technology to enhance prevention, awareness, and response. Working with the National Prosecuting Authority, the company supports the KaBokweni Themba Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Mpumalanga, a one-stop, victim-centred facility offering counselling, legal aid, medical care, and essential support services, such as food, clothing, and shelter. The TCC serves a vast jurisdiction, characterised by a high rate of crime, especially GBV and femicide, in areas such as Masoyi, KaNyamazane and White River.
Additionally, to encourage economic independence for GBV survivors and prevent cycles of abuse, Vodacom has provided ICT training to 215 individuals in shelters across the province. This training equips them with digital skills that open pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and income-generating opportunities.

Supporting women in agriculture

Vodacom is empowering small-scale black female farmers in Mpumalanga with digital skills to help boost productivity and inclusion. Through a R2 million investment, 320 black female farmers in the province have been trained in ICT, enabling them to grow their businesses, access agricultural information, and connect with markets and buyers online while developing the local agricultural sector.

Assisting with disaster relief

Vodacom is actively involved in disaster relief efforts in Mpumalanga and has contributed over R3 million to provide support to communities affected by events like flooding in the region. Initiatives include distributing food hampers and care packs, as well as deploying communication solutions to aid in emergency response.

“We truly believe in going beyond connectivity to empower the communities we serve. By investing in people, building skills, and using technology as a force for good, we are committed to making a lasting positive impact not only in the region but in South Africa,” concludes Ngcukana.

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This investment is focused on expanding network infrastructure, driving access to connectivity, particularly in deep rural communities and township areas, and demonstrating Vodacom’s commitment to building a digital society that leaves no one behind.

In the 2024–2025 financial year, the region invested more than R400 million, and in 2025–2026, it is going to spend an additional R620 million, on extending broadband coverage throughout the province. This is an investment totalling over R1 billion over two years and it is part of Vodacom’s long-term vision, to have the widest and most reliable network accessible to all South Africans, irrespective of where they live.

In a province where terrain and remoteness often hinder connectivity, Vodacom Mpumalanga is accelerating its rollout of 4G and 5G sites, leveraging licensed spectrum such as L700, L1800, and L2100, to increase coverage and capacity in underserved areas. There are over 1 300 mobile infrastructure sites now serving the province, with 41% connected to high-speed fibre, providing faster and more stable internet to households, schools, businesses, and government facilities.

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The region’s network investments also include mobile network boosters, modernised transmission technology, and backup power systems to mitigate challenges related to Eskom grid instability and vandalism and theft.

“Data traffic in Mpumalanga has increased by over 42% year-on-year, with 90% of this carried over 4G. As demand grows, Vodacom’s network investment is not only improving connectivity for its customers in the region but laying the groundwork for a more inclusive digital economy. By increasing coverage and capacity, we can ensure that all our customers can be empowered by technology, whether that is access to education and essential services, or helping the growth of enterprises, from SMEs to the public sector, through transformative digital solutions,” says Monde Ngcukana, Managing Executive for Vodacom Mpumalanga Region.

To complement this infrastructure build-out, Vodacom is tackling the affordability of devices and data, which are barriers to meaningful digital participation. Vodacom’s Easy2Own is driving smartphone penetration by offering customers an innovative device financing model to purchase a smartphone and, after a once-off deposit, pay it off in affordable instalments.

This July, in honour of Mandela Day, Vodacom launched its R67 smartphone campaign at selected stores across the country, including in Mpumalanga. The initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to help millions of South Africans transition from basic connectivity to 4G-enabled handsets. Furthermore, the company’s Just 4 You and location-based Just 4 Your Town offerings provide personalised data offers based on an individual’s usage habits and geographic context, reducing the cost to connect.

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In its commitment to accelerating South Africa’s digital transformation, Vodacom’s smart solutions are helping the Mpumalanga public sector operate more efficiently and deliver better services to citizens. The SmartGov Platform, for example, automates administrative workflows, C2 General providing real-time visibility and transparency.

With the SmartCitizen Engagement app, residents can report service issues, while government teams can respond more effectively through multi-channel contact centres and mobile-enabled field teams tools. Vodacom’s Smart Utilities solutions are improving accuracy in water and electricity metering and billing.

Public infrastructure is being enhanced through SmartPlaces and SmartBuildings, which enable better energy use, pollution and water monitoring, and security. Additionally, Smart Asset Management tools assist local government with managing resources more effectively through predictive maintenance and clean audits.

As part of its effort to build a thriving local economy, Vodacom is also empowering Mpumalanga’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Through Vodacom Business, SMEs gain access to affordable data bundles and digital tools such as cloud hosting, cybersecurity, point-of-sale systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, allowing them to compete in a rapidly evolving digital economy. For SMEs requiring access to capital, VodaLend offers fast, flexible business loans of up to R5 million, disbursed in as little as 24 hours with no collateral or early settlement penalties.

Within its own operations, Vodacom Mpumalanga supports local businesses through partnerships with local contractors and security firms. Local companies in the region are key contributors to Vodacom Mpumalanga’s network rollout, while collaborations with security firms has created job opportunities for several community members.

“By removing barriers to access and partnering with government and business, we are giving the people of Mpumalanga the tools to learn, work, innovate, grow and connect to a better future,” concludes Ngcukana.

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