By Levy Masiteng
The Vodacom Foundation this week launched a R1.5 million School of Excellence (SoE) model at Lavelilanga Secondary School in Komani, marking a significant boost for digital learning and infrastructure development in the Eastern Cape.
The R1.5 million investment over the first 12 months is said to go towards upgrading facilities, strengthening digital infrastructure and deploying dedicated ICT and psychosocial support staff, at the school.
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The Foundation said it will enhance a refurbished computer centre, improved security systems, sanitation upgrades and reliable connectivity.
“The model also provides at least two ICT coordinators to offer technical support to teachers and learners, as well as psychosocial professionals to address challenges such as violence and gender-based violence,” the foundation added.
The investment was funded by the Foundation together with their partner the Eastern Cape Department of Education.
They said they aim to entrench a culture of academic excellence by integrating technology, infrastructure upgrades and psychosocial support into the school environment.
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“Public-Private Partnerships like the launch of this Vodacom Educational Ecosystem are essential in helping us overcome the challenges in providing the quality education that South Africa’s Constitution promises and envisages,” Eastern Cape MEC for Education, Fundile Gade said.
The ecosystem further includes connectivity provisions and access to a zero-rated Vodacom e-learning platform.
Zakhele Jiyane, Vodacom SA Managing Executive for the Eastern Cape Region, said the initiative reflects the company’s broader social purpose.
“Through our work with the Vodacom Foundation, we are dedicated to advancing quality education and creating meaningful opportunities for learners and educators. Bringing this to Lavelilanga exemplifies our commitment to leveraging innovative, technology-enabled solutions that transform lives.”
The launch formed part of Vodacom’s broader Educational Ecosystem, introduced in 2019 to support government’s Vision 2030 goals and expand access to quality education in previously disadvantaged communities.
The Foundation said each SoE is strategically located near an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre, a Teacher Centre and a Vodacom ICT Youth Academy hub, ensuring learners benefit from a comprehensive, community-linked support system.
Principal Sisanda Hexana welcomed the partnership, describing it as transformative for the school community.
“We are incredibly grateful to Vodacom for this exceptional partnership and the incredible doors this Educational Ecosystem will open for our learners and the wider Zingquthu community.”
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Nationally, the Vodacom Schools of Excellence model currently supports 39 schools, 39 ECD centres and 10 Youth Academy centres.
To date, more than 1,800 young people have been trained in accredited ICT skills through Vodacom’s Youth Academy programme, with many now deployed across supported schools and communities.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape currently hosts six Schools of Excellence, including Lavelilanga, supported by Vodacom’s comprehensive ecosystem model with an investment of over R5 million to date.
“We believe that access to quality education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering young learners to reach their full potential,” Jiyane, said.
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