Vodacom invest R4 Million in a special school in Nkomazi
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
In marking another significant milestone in advancing digital inclusion for learners with physical disabilities, ensuring that the learners are not left behind in the Digital Age, the Vodacom Foundation, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education, launched the SoE(School of Excellence) model at Silindokuhle Special Needs School in eMangweni, under the Nkomazi Local Municipality, on Thursday 4 June 2026.
Silindokuhle Special Needs School supports learners with severe physical disabilities, including those who are deaf and visually impaired, whilst some learners have intellectual disabilities.
Through this intervention, Vodacom says it has introduced a suite of specialised assistive technologies designed to enhance accessibility and enable inclusive learning.
The SoE model is said to be a key pillar of Vodacom’s comprehensive, multi-layered education ecosystem, launched in 2019 in support of the government’s Education Vision 2030.
This integrated strategy reportedly aligns with the government’s ambition to promote academic excellence and ensure equitable, inclusive access to quality education for learners from disadvantaged communities.
Vodacom Managing Execuitve for Mpumalanga, Monde Ngcukana, said the telecommunication giant believes that technology has the power to unlock potential and create opportunities for every learner, regardless of their circumstances.
The R4 million investment will reportedly enable the school to provide learners with advanced ICT(Information Communication Technology) equipment, including a fully installed LAN(Local Area Network) with special needs equipment, renovated learning labs, and a secure storage facility.
“ This initiative at Silindokuhle Special Needs School is about more than just connectivity — it is about dignity, inclusion, and ensuring that no learner is left behind in the digital age. We are proud to partner with the Department of Education to bring meaningful solutions that empower learners with disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Ngcukana
The model is said to currently support approximately 40,000 learners across 39 schools nationwide, with each school strategically located alongside 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.
In addition to the infrastructure, Vodacom says an on-site customised training has been provided to educators to ensure effective utilisation of the technology.
An ICT specialist has also been reportedly deployed on-site to provide ongoing technical support and capacity building for the school.
These tools are expected to significantly improve learners’ ability to access educational content, communicate effectively, and participate more independently in the learning environment.
