Vodacom Central Region continues to leverage technology for good, driving social impact across the Free State and Northern Cape. The region’s purpose-led initiatives have reached thousands of South Africans, reaffirming Vodacom’s commitment to building a digitally inclusive society.
Evah Mthimunye, the Managing Executive for Vodacom Central Region, said guided by their purpose to connect people for a better future, Vodacom Central Region continues to invest in initiatives that enable access to quality education, empower women and youth with digital skills, and provide critical support in times of need.
“Our focus is on creating meaningful change that strengthens communities and unlocks opportunities for all,” said Evah Mthimunye.
Vodacom Central Region’s investment in education has significantly uplifted Schools of Excellence (SoEs) and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across the region. Benefitting 6 654 learners and young children – 2 949 in the Free State and 3 705 in the Northern Cape.
Vodacom supports seven SoEs in the region by providing infrastructure maintenance, decommissioning of pit latrines where necessary, refurbishment of computer centres, devices, connectivity, and ICT coordinators recruited from Vodacom’s Youth Academy. Currently, 12 ICT volunteers and seven coordinators are placed at SoEs in the Free State, with five coordinators in the Northern Cape, who help educators and learners navigate digital technology.
Vodacom has placed three psychosocial support workers in SoEs in the Northern Cape and three psychosocial support workers in SoEs in the Free State.
This initiative aims to create safer, more inclusive learning environments by offering counselling, practical tools, and psychosocial support to the school communities.
The Vodacom Youth Academy offers IT technical support learnerships for young people who cannot access tertiary education. Currently, 11 students are enrolled in the Siyanda ICT Centre in the Northern Cape, while 12 are completing their training at the Thaba Nchu Youth Academy Centre in the Free State.
Community Development Centres in both provinces continue to serve as hubs for digital skills training. This includes equipping 674 female farmers – 120 from the Northern Cape and 554 from the Free State – to date with digital literacy training.
This programme helps women farmers access agricultural information, connect with markets, and grow their businesses using technology.
“Vodacom is committed to going beyond connectivity to make a lasting difference in people’s lives. By using technology as a force for good, we are helping to create a more inclusive, sustainable future for the Free State and Northern Cape,” stated Mthimunye.
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