Telkom Foundation is investing in teacher development, digital skills and classroom support as South Africa celebrates educators shaping stronger learning opportunities for young people across communities.
The Foundation has joined the Department of Basic Education in recognising educators at the 26th Annual National Teaching Awards, while highlighting the importance of sustained investment in the people at the centre of South Africa’s education system.
Teachers continue to work within challenging environments that can include overcrowded classrooms, unequal access to resources and growing expectations to integrate technology into teaching and learning.
For Telkom Foundation, addressing those pressures requires investment not only in infrastructure and connectivity, but also in the educators expected to use those resources effectively.
“Teachers are at the heart of every strong education system. They build knowledge, confidence and possibility for generations of young people,” said Judy Vilakazi, Head of Telkom Foundation.
“As we celebrate their contribution, we must also invest in them, ensuring they have the skills, tools and support they need to continue preparing learners for a rapidly changing world.”
In FY2026, Telkom Foundation invested R39.9 million in education programmes spanning academic and STEM support, teacher development, ICT integration, digital skills and psycho-social support.
Teacher development formed a significant part of that investment, with 1,218 educators and teaching assistants participating in leadership, support and professional development training during the financial year.
Delivered in partnership with SchoolNet South Africa, the programme focuses on practical capabilities including digital administration, ICT-enabled lesson planning and assessment, multimedia content and coding literacy.
“Technology in a classroom is only as powerful as the people equipped to use it,” Vilakazi said.
“That is why our approach goes beyond providing infrastructure, connectivity and devices. By investing in educators alongside learners and schools, we can help strengthen teaching and learning and build classrooms that are better prepared for the future.”
The Foundation also reached 4,861 learners through face-to-face academic support during FY2026, while more than 41,000 learners accessed support through online education platforms.
Sixteen schools received ICT enablement and computer laboratories, supported by 8,590 donated devices.
Telkom Foundation works with the Department of Basic Education, provincial education structures, Telkom Group businesses and partners including SchoolNet South Africa and Kutlwanong ProMaths.
Its education model combines teacher development, learner support, connectivity and digital enablement with psycho-social support for learners, educators and communities.
The focus on teachers also comes as World Teachers’ Day on 5 October marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which helped define teachers’ rights, responsibilities and professional status.
Six decades later, preparing educators to respond to changing classroom demands remains an important part of strengthening educational outcomes and widening digital inclusion.
“The National Teaching Awards give us an opportunity to recognise excellence, but the contribution teachers make happens every day in classrooms and communities across the country,” Vilakazi said.
“Our commitment is to continue working alongside educators and our partners to help create an environment in which teachers are supported, learners can thrive and more young South Africans are prepared for the opportunities of the future.”
As South Africa celebrates its leading educators, Telkom Foundation says its commitment will continue to extend beyond classroom technology and infrastructure to the teachers who ultimately bring those resources to life.
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