Vodacom Foundation has invested R2 million in Usizolwethu Special Needs School in Daveyton, expanding digital learning opportunities and helping learners develop skills for the future.
The investment forms part of Vodacom’s School of Excellence programme and was implemented in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education. The initiative aims to empower learners with intellectual disabilities through technology, connectivity and access to digital skills that can help unlock future opportunities.
The School of Excellence model is a key component of Vodacom’s broader education strategy, which supports government’s Education Vision 2030 and focuses on promoting inclusive, quality education for learners from disadvantaged communities.
At Usizolwethu Special Needs School, the R2 million investment has funded a range of infrastructure and technology upgrades. These include advanced ICT equipment, a fully installed local area network with specialised equipment for learners with special needs, upgraded learning laboratories and a secure storage facility.
The school has also received reliable internet connectivity, a solar power solution to support uninterrupted learning and a vegetable garden that promotes both nutrition and sustainability.
The introduction of the School of Excellence model at Usizolwethu extends opportunities to learners who are often excluded from mainstream digital education initiatives. By creating access to technology and specialised learning tools, the programme helps ensure that learners with disabilities are not left behind as South Africa moves further into the digital economy.
Vodacom’s School of Excellence programme currently supports approximately 40,000 learners across 39 schools nationwide. Each participating school is linked to an Early Childhood Development Centre, a Teacher Centre and a Vodacom ICT Academy, creating an integrated support network that benefits learners, educators and surrounding communities.
Taki Netshitenzhe, Director of External Affairs for Vodacom South Africa, said partnerships remain critical in addressing education challenges and creating opportunities for young people.
“We are very pleased to be launching another School of Excellence. This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating a better, more inclusive, and sustainable future. Public-private partnerships like this are effective in addressing societal challenges at scale and building pathways for young people to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”
Vodacom has invested more than R40 million in Schools of Excellence across South Africa since the programme launched. These investments have supported infrastructure upgrades, connectivity, improved sanitation, enhanced safety measures and the creation of technology-enabled learning environments.
Principal of Usizolwethu Special Needs School, Nombulelo Skosana, welcomed the partnership and the opportunities it will create for learners and educators.
“We are profoundly grateful to Vodacom for the partnership and the immense opportunities this educational ecosystem will unlock for our learners, educators and the wider Daveyton community.”
Beyond infrastructure, Vodacom continues to provide ongoing ICT support, including digital skills training for educators and learners. Psychosocial support services are also integrated into the programme to help address social and emotional barriers to learning.
As technology continues to reshape the world of work, initiatives such as Vodacom’s School of Excellence programme demonstrate how business, government and education partners can work together to create more inclusive pathways to opportunity and help prepare young South Africans for the future.
