'Our purpose is to connect South Africa for a better future'– Vodacom Foundation

702's Bongani Bingwa interviews Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom South Africa.

Listen below:

"Further Together" isn't just a slogan for Vodacom South Africa – it's a principle that the company actively lives by.

For the eighth consecutive year, Vodacom has been recognised as the leader among South Africa’s top firms, including JSE-listed companies, for having the most significant developmental impact.

This prestigious acknowledgment highlights the Vodacom Foundation's outstanding work in promoting positive social change.

Since its inception in 1999, the Vodacom Foundation has been dedicated to advancing societal development through education and gender empowerment.

As Mdlalose notes, the foundation’s core pillars include education, combating gender-based violence, and supporting environmental sustainability.

By leveraging their innovative technology, he explains that Vodacom aims to create lasting, meaningful change in the communities they serve. 

"Our purpose is to connect South Africa for a better future."

- Sitho Mdlalose, CEO – Vodacom South Africa

Education is a key focus of the Foundation, supporting all levels from early childhood to adult education.

This includes helping learners, teachers, parents, and communities with tech-based learning through computer centers and devices.

One of the Foundation's main programmes is the Schools of Excellence (SOE), which goes beyond just ICT support.

It offers infrastructure, partnerships, e-learning content, and teacher support.

The Vodacom-supported community ICT centers also play a big role in the Foundation’s work, helping empower communities and drive social change, says Mdlalose.

"Every corporate has a way that they can contribute."

- Sitho Mdlalose, CEO – Vodacom South Africa

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.