By Thapelo Molefe
For many learners at Madibatlou Middle School in Olifantsfontein in Ekurhuleni, the future has just arrived in the form of a brand-new digital lab, turning what was once a distant dream into a powerful reality.
With 25 fully equipped laptops, high-speed connectivity and an advanced e-learning system, this initiative by Cell C, in collaboration with the Gauteng education department, is a game-changer for the school and a significant step towards digital inclusion in South Africa.
The event was marked by vibrant celebrations as learners showcased their talents through various activities.
Some learners sang while others performed traditional dances, creating an atmosphere of excitement and gratitude. The energy of the performances reflected the enthusiasm of the school community in embracing this new digital era.
At the handover event on Thursday, Cell C CEO Jorge Mendes emphasised the transformative impact of technology in education.
“We have committed ourselves to driving digital inclusion in not only the products we sell, but promoting it in our communities through initiatives such as providing digital classrooms to empower students with the tools they need to thrive in a digital future,” he said.
“We want to leave a lasting impact on education and ensure that young learners have the opportunity to excel in their academic journeys.”
The digital lab is fitted with a high-performance server, a printer, a projector for interactive learning, and air conditioning to maintain an optimal study environment.
The C3 Micro Cloud solution installed in the lab ensures students have access to curriculum-aligned content, lesson packs and essential e-learning resources, setting a new standard for technology-driven education.
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed his appreciation for the partnership.
“This is what we call social responsibility—real investment in the future of our learners. Access to technology is no longer optional; it is essential for bridging the digital divide and ensuring our children are prepared for a world where IT, artificial intelligence and digital content creation define career paths,” Chiloane said.
Mendes praised the discipline and passion of the learners, noting the school’s strong value system and the leadership of its educators.
He reiterated Cell C’s commitment to digital inclusion.
“It’s really about giving the kids of today, the youth of today, an unbelievable opportunity that is only fair—it is your divine right. And it’s the role that Cell C would love to play in making sure that we are real partners and allies to these communities where we derive profits from, to put back in and show a small contribution to make a difference together in this partnership,” he noted.
Chiloane highlighted how the introduction of digital labs aligned with the province’s broader goal of transitioning schools into paperless environments. He stressed that technology was not a luxury but a necessity, emphasising that future jobs were increasingly linked to IT and automation.
“We need to prepare our learners for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Many jobs are being replaced by machines, but those who understand technology will be the ones controlling them,” he said.
He further noted that digital inclusion was not just about job preparation, but also about fostering creativity and innovation.
“One of the learners told me that they dream of becoming a filmmaker. Without access to computers, that dream could have faded away. Now, with this lab, learners have a chance to explore opportunities they never thought possible.”
Chiloane also highlighted the importance of investing in education over other infrastructure, drawing attention to the contrast between Africa’s reliance on churches and other institutions while other regions focus on factories and technological advancement.
“A nation that does not take care of its education does not deserve its future. Schools like this should be where we invest the most,” he said.
The digital lab was officially handed over to Chiloane by Cell C, symbolising a strong public-private partnership aimed at bridging the digital divide.
Beyond Madibatlou Middle School, Cell C has committed to expanding similar initiatives across all nine provinces, with the focus on bringing connectivity and digital tools to under-resourced communities.
Mendes highlighted that this lab was just one of many projects in the pipeline, stating: “We’ve already provided connectivity to over 1,300 schools and launched digital labs in seven provinces, with more to come. Initiatives like Girl Code, which has trained over 4,000 young women in tech skills, further reinforce our dedication to empowering the youth.”
He also reflected on the enthusiastic reception of the initiative, recalling how the energy of the pupils reminded him of major sporting events.
“Whenever I hear the national anthem in such an environment, it feels like we’re about to witness something truly transformative.”
The CEO also noted the importance of investing in education and shared his thoughts on public-private partnerships moving forward to speed up economic development.
For the learners of Madibatlou Middle School, the digital lab represents more than just technology—it’s a bridge to new possibilities.
The school’s principal, Kgabo Molokomme, echoed this sentiment, saying: “This lab will inspire innovation, creativity and a hunger for knowledge. It gives our students the chance to compete on equal footing with their peers in the digital world.”
As digital transformation reshapes industries worldwide, initiatives like these ensure that South Africa’s youth are not left behind.
INSIDE EDUCATION
