Telkom Foundation hands over 40-computer ICT lab, technology hub and upgraded classrooms at Soweto school
The Telkom Foundation handed over a new digital learning facility and upgraded infrastructure at Molalatladi Primary School in Soweto, expanding access to technology and creating a safer, more functional learning environment.
The investment includes a fully equipped ICT laboratory with 40 computers, a technology hub and refurbished learning spaces. It also addresses needs beyond the classroom, with improvements to school facilities and support for learners from disadvantaged households.
The project was delivered through the Foundation’s Executive Adopt Programme, which allocates dedicated funding to Telkom Group executives to support causes close to their hearts while addressing needs identified by beneficiary organisations.
For Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong, who attended the school in 1976, the handover marked a personal homecoming alongside fellow alumni. His connection to the school helped bring its needs into focus, with the Foundation’s investment centred on the opportunities it can create for current and future learners.
An investment in the whole school environment
Alongside the digital facilities, the project has delivered bathroom renovations, minor infrastructure repairs, painting and tiling, and refurbishment of classrooms, the ICT laboratory, library and school hall.
A roof structure has been installed over the assembly area to protect learners and staff from adverse weather, while external verandas have been refurbished to improve safety and functionality. The perimeter palisade fence has also been repainted.
Additional support includes a CCTV surveillance system to strengthen security and a refrigerator for the school’s feeding scheme. The Foundation is also donating school uniforms and sportswear to learners from disadvantaged households.
“What matters most is not simply what we are handing over today, but what these facilities can help make possible for the young people who will use them,” said Mpho McNamee, Group Chief of Corporate Affairs at Telkom.
“Education and digital inclusion are central to our work because we believe young people should have the opportunity to learn, develop their skills and participate in an increasingly digital world. Our ICT labs help make this possible by giving learners and teachers access to technology as part of everyday teaching and learning.”
A homecoming with a focus on the future
“Fifty years ago, I was a learner here at Molalatladi. I sat in these classrooms, played in this playground and had teachers who believed in me. So today feels a little like coming home,” said Taukobong.
“I was here in 1976, when students in Soweto stood up for the right to a fair education. Their courage reminds us why education matters and why we should never take the opportunities available to learners today for granted.”
“At Telkom, our business is about connecting people, but a connection only matters because of what it makes possible. This investment is about giving learners and teachers the tools to create those possibilities, and it is only the beginning of what we hope to achieve at Molalatladi.”
The handover marks the first phase of the Foundation’s investment at the school. A second phase will focus on further improvements to the school grounds, extending the work beyond classrooms and technology facilities.
Through the Executive Adopt Programme, the Telkom Foundation connects executives’ personal commitment to community development with practical investment in beneficiary organisations. At Molalatladi Primary, that investment is helping equip a new generation of learners with the facilities and tools to build their futures.
The Telkom Foundation also thanked its partners for their contributions to improving the learning environment at Molalatladi Primary School. Bidvest supported the installation of HVAC systems in the ICT laboratory, while Huawei contributed security cameras and smart interactive screens. Eskom will install solar panels at the school, and Volkswagen will upgrade the Grade R play area, including a jungle gym.
The Foundation also recognised the contributions of Telkom teams, including Openserve, Telkom Consumer and BCX, in bringing the project to life.
