by MELOKUHLE MAHLANGU
MBOMBELA, (CAJ News) – THE Vodacom Foundation, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, has launched a R4 million School of Excellence (SoE) project at Silindokuhle Special Needs School in e-Mangweni, Nkomazi Local Municipality.
The initiative marks a significant step towards advancing digital inclusion for learners with disabilities and ensuring they are equipped to participate fully in the digital era.
Launched in 2019, the School of Excellence model forms a key component of Vodacom’s education ecosystem, which supports the government’s Education Vision 2030.
The programme is designed to promote academic excellence while expanding equitable access to quality education for learners from disadvantaged communities.
The model currently benefits about 40 000 learners across 39 schools nationwide. Each participating school is strategically linked to an Early Childhood Development Centre, a Teacher Centre and a Vodacom ICT Academy, creating an integrated support network for learners, educators and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the launch, Vodacom Mpumalanga Managing Executive Monde Ngcukana said the initiative was about more than technology.
“At Vodacom, we believe 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,” Ngcukana said.
The investment includes the installation of a fully equipped local area network, specialised assistive technology, refurbished learning laboratories and a secure storage facility.
Silindokuhle Special Needs School caters for learners with severe physical disabilities, including those who are deaf or visually impaired, as well as learners with intellectual disabilities.
The new technologies are aimed at improving accessibility, communication and participation in the learning environment.
Educators have received customised training to maximise the use of the new systems, while an ICT specialist has been deployed on-site to provide ongoing technical support and capacity building.
Ngcukana said the project would serve as a model for future partnerships with special needs schools as Vodacom expands technology-driven solutions to promote inclusive education across South Africa.
– CAJ News