MBOMBELA – Vodacom has reaffirmed its commitment to socio-economic development in Mpumalanga through strategic investments exceeding R32 million that transform lives in the province.
“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.
