Access granted: how we’re making technology work for everyone
For over 20 years, Vodacom has been revolutionising accessibility – not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental design principle. Our second Accessibility Conference, themed “Implementing Accessibility Upfront”, reminded us why this work sits at the heart of our purpose-led strategy.
Empowering people through connectivity is at the core of our purpose-led strategy. With over 1 billion people worldwide living with disabilities, and many in Africa facing additional barriers to digital participation, our work is about thinking decisively, acting boldly, and designing with intent.
The annual Accessibility Conference serves as a call to action, bringing together CEOs, government ministers, disability advocates and innovators to chart a course towards meaningful digital inclusion across Africa.
Empowering communities through digital inclusion
This year’s conference featured several powerful voices from our own teams, including a hearing-impaired employee who shared insights about workplace inclusion, and representatives from across our African markets who demonstrated how successful accessibility initiatives in one country can inform and inspire solutions in others.
The conference also showcased initiatives from across our markets that prove accessibility innovation knows no borders. A fitting example is the National Relay Service, unveiled by Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom SA. It provides multiple communication channels, such as email, SMS, live chat and sign language interpreter support, so that customers can engage with us in ways that work for them, not just for us.
Another bold innovation is an AI-driven solution with computer vision that instantly translates sign language into speech. Previously presented by our Lynx InTouch team at the 2025 HackFest Global Finale, this tool aims to revolutionise communication for all people with disabilities, especially the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Read more about it here.
Vodacom’s second Accessibility Conference reaffirmed our commitment to building a more inclusive digital society for persons with disabilities in Africa.
Accessible design: the BlindShell Classic 2 launch
One tangible outcome of the conference was the launch of the BlindShell Classic 2, an affordable smartphone specifically designed for visually impaired users, available for R650 per month.
- Tactile keypad for easy navigation
- Voice control capabilities
- NFC object tagging to help users distinguish between everyday items
- BlindShell Beep functionality to locate personal belongings
- Access to the BlindShell App Catalog with tools like Be My Eyes and Google Lookout.
As Sindisiwe Chikunga, South Africa’s Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, said: “This is what it means to implement accessibility upfront, not as an add-on, but as a design principle.”
How we’re helping to close the digital divide
As we advance towards Vision 2030, our commitment extends beyond individual products and services to systemic change. Our Customer Charter reflects this promise, ensuring that accessibility considerations are embedded in every customer touchpoint.
With our Accessibility Conference, we issued a challenge to all to ensure that no one is left behind. As Shameel said: “By fostering an inclusive environment and developing assistive technologies, accessible customer services and digital literacy programmes, we remain committed to closing the digital divide.”
Through purposeful leadership, we’re connecting people and ensuring that connection works for everyone. As we continue building towards our Vision 2030 goals, events like this remind us that the future we’re creating must be open and accessible to everyone.
Stepping into someone else’s shoes at Vodacom Lesotho
During Disability Pride Month in July, Vodacom Lesotho employees experienced their workplace blindfolded as part of their “A Moment in My Shoes” initiative.
By having employees navigate their own workplace while blindfolded, the company aimed to build a bridge of true empathy.
The goal was to move beyond discussion and into lived experience as part of a wider, ongoing commitment through targeted interventions by the company, says Pinki Manong Mokoena, Senior Specialist for Corporate Social Investment.
This powerful exercise fostered empathy and understanding while informing our commitment to strengthening employment policies that ensure fair and preferential access for people with disabilities. It’s a perfect example of how understanding drives action and how small gestures can spark big changes.
