Vodacom Foundation partners the EC Department of Education to launch R1.5m School of Excellence model at Lavelilanga Secondary School in Komani

KOMANI - The Vodacom Foundation, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, today launched the Vodacom Schools of Excellence (SoE) model, at Lavelilanga Secondary School in Komani. The launch marks another significant milestone in the Vodacom Foundation's commitment to using technology in order to foster a culture of academic excellence within the country’s schooling system, while also creating sustainable educational opportunities in underserved communities across South Africa.

The SoE model is a key pillar of Vodacom’s Educational Ecosystem that was launched in March 2019 to bring about good quality education for previously disadvantaged communities. Vodacom unveiled the Education Ecosystem to support government’s Vision 2030 comprehensive approach to education. Crucially, the educational ecosystem recognises that the success of the education system relies on effective collaboration and execution of various components, supported by the partnership of different stakeholders. One key component of this diverse educational ecosystem is the School of Excellence model.

The Vodacom Schools of Excellence model, which currently supports 39 schools, 39 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, and 10 Youth Academy centres across the country, represents a holistic approach to educational transformation, encompassing at least two ICT coordinators who  provide technical support to educators and learners, as well as psychosocial support professionals to address issues of violence and gender-based violence. Infrastructure enhancements include upgraded computer centres, improved security systems, and sanitation infrastructure upgrades. Each School of Excellence is located near an ECD centre, a Teacher Centre, and a Vodacom ICT Youth Academy, ensuring the success of this comprehensive model of education.

At Lavelilanga the total investment into upgrading its facilities, digital infrastructure and providing it with ICT and psychosocial support staff will total just over R1.5m in the first 12 months of this long-term partnership. "At Vodacom, our purpose to connect for a better future extends far beyond telecommunications," said Zakhele Jiyane, Vodacom SA Managing Executive for the Eastern Cape Region. "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.”

“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. Initiatives like this one form part of our broader mission to strengthen the education system by improving digital access, enhancing teaching and learning experiences, and supporting communities with sustainable resources that enable long-term impact."

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 todate.

Mr Fundile Gade, Eastern Cape MEC for Education, emphasised the critical importance of such public-private partnerships. "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," Mr Gade stated.

"Digital access is not merely a tool for learning—it is critical to unlocking the province's economic opportunities, especially for our youth. In a province as youthful as ours, internet access is not a luxury, but a lifeline. It is essential for growth, education, and unlocking potential. Vodacom's investment in our schools demonstrates what is possible when public and private sectors work together with a shared vision."

Principal Sisanda Hexana of Lavelilanga Senior Secondary School expressed gratitude for the transformative opportunity saying, "We are incredibly grateful to Vodacom for this exceptional partnership and the incredible doors this Educational Ecosystem will open for our learners, students, and the wider Zingquthu community."

"The infrastructure, connectivity, and support systems being put in place will fundamentally enhance our teaching and learning environment and position our students for success in an increasingly digital world."

The Educational Ecosystem model includes connectivity provisions, the zero-rated Vodacom e-learning platform, ICT coordinators recruited from Vodacom's Youth Academy programme, and dedicated psychosocial support workers.  To date, Vodacom has trained more than 1800 young people in accredited ICT skills through its Youth Academy, many of whom are now deployed across the Foundation's supported schools and communities.