Purpose-driven engagement: Vodafone’s South African visit
Vodacom South Africa hosted a top-level delegation from Vodafone Group for a milestone visit, strengthening ties through strategic discussions and purpose-driven initiatives. The tour underscored our shared commitment to digital transformation and positive societal impact across the continent.
During an eventful week in October, Vodacom South Africa had the privilege of hosting Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group CEO, and her Exco at the company’s headquarters in Midrand. The visit marked a significant occasion as it was the first time the Vodafone Group Exco visited Vodacom’s premises, aligning with our 30th anniversary celebrations.
The activities kicked off with a comprehensive strategy session, where Vodacom’s leadership engaged in discussions on how Vodafone’s global strategies seamlessly integrate with Vodacom’s regional vision. They explored leveraging Vodafone’s European experiences to maintain a competitive edge in the African market, highlighting advancements in mobile technology, enterprise solutions and financial inclusion.
Aligned with the global strategy
One of the notable events was a Town Hall at the Vodacom World Dome, where Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub and Margherita shared insights into how Vodacom’s operations align with Vodafone’s global strategy. The energetic Town Hall served as a platform for Vodacom employees to connect and gain insights into the strategic direction of the company.
“Between strategy sessions with our local leadership teams, a visit to our state-of-the-art distribution centre for devices and accessories, and an energetic all-employee Town Hall, I was fully immersed in, and inspired by, everything that shapes our fantastic African business.”
Committed to the region’s economy
A key highlight was the meetings with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and government officials, including Ministers Parks Tau and Solly Malatsi. These discussions focused on digital transformation’s pivotal role in South Africa’s development. Both Vodacom and Vodafone reiterated their commitment to the region’s digital economy, emphasising the need for regulatory clarity and collaboration to enhance investment opportunities.
Another highlight was hosting Joakim Reiter, Vodafone’s Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer, on Red 30, our exclusive interview segment on Vodacom Radio. Joakim shared incredible insights into his career journey and the impactful initiatives we are driving as a purpose-led global business.
Driven by our purpose
In line with this purpose-driven approach, we highlighted our educational initiatives through visits to the New BeginningZ Baby Haven, which is supported by Vodacom Foundation. This non-profit organisation provides a safe haven for abandoned, abused, and neglected babies and toddlers, including children with special medical needs.
Vodacom Foundation has been funding New BeginningZ since 2008 and donated more than R6 million to the home. The funding enables the home to provide all the services required to raise a child, benefiting more than 3 500 children over the past 10 years.
The group also visited Dr WF Nkomo High School, a Vodacom School of Excellence in Atteridgeville outside Pretoria. Vodacom Foundation’s contributions to education were proudly demonstrated by our efforts to provide modern educational resources, promote coding and robotics programmes, and improve school infrastructure to ensure learners have a dignified and focused academic environment.
At least two ICT coordinators are placed at each of the 25 Schools of Excellence to assist with ICT interventions and support for the teachers. The coordinators also work with the learners, helping them with the Vodacom e-learning platform and other ICT-related issues. The ICT volunteers are recruited from the Foundation’s Youth Academy programme, which trains unemployed young people in accredited ICT skills.
Connecting for a better future
“This is the moment Vodacom lives for,” Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom South Africa, said about the visit to the school. “We exist to connect for a better future. On days like these, we realise that we have a purpose to live for that includes using our resources and technology to solve critical societal challenges and deliver a better life for all.”
Margherita was full of praise for the initiatives she saw, which fully align with Vodafone’s commitment to supporting Vodacom’s role in South Africa’s digitalisation journey.
“What strikes me most about Vodacom is its truly purpose-led approach to business,” she said. “The question of how we can improve the lives of our customers, and the world around us, is fully integrated into both our planning and daily operations, as we strive to connect for a better future.”
Spotlight on Vodacom’s Schools of Excellence
The Dr WF Nkomo High School in Atteridgeville, one of the Vodacom-supported Schools of Excellence, offers a virtual classroom solution in addition to a robotics and coding curriculum for over 1 200 learners.
In 2018, Vodacom Foundation started by supporting 13 Schools of Excellence, which has since grown to 25. This support includes:
- A fully furnished computer centre
- Up to two ICT coordinators to assist learners and educators with accessing the technology
- Implementation of various security measures and the modernisation of school infrastructure
- A social worker
- Decommissioning pit latrines and replacing them with suitable ablution facilities to ensure learners can attend school with dignity and focus on succeeding academically.
