Johannesburg, 27 May 2003
The sky is the limit for the pupils of Sephola-Banatso Middle School in the North-West province following today`s donation of an Internet-equipped computer laboratory by the Telkom Foundation to assist them bridge the digital divide.
The donation - which also included two public telephones, security fencing and improved ablution facilities - made in partnership with Rand Water Supply formed part of the events to mark last week`s World Telecommunications Day.
Computer networks with servers and dial-up Internet connectivity have been installed in about 100 schools around SA as part of Telkom Foundation`s drive to encourage the use of computer facilities and to improve the quality of education in previously disadvantaged communities.
Sephola-Bonatso Middle School in Mmakau, near Brits, has been chosen by Telkom Foundation for its Adopt-A-Project scheme in which Telkom`s top management identify specific community causes that are in line with the focus of the Telkom Foundation for support and adoption with a view to contributing to community and social upliftment.
Former Telkom Group Executive for Regulatory and Public Policy, Victor Moche, adopted this North-West school. And thanks to him, today the school shrugged off its Cinderella status as it claimed its place on the Internet map.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Moche urged the local community to take ownership of the project and ensure that it truly benefited their children and the Mmakau community.
"Now that Telkom and Rand Water supply have entered in this partnership with you to improve conditions here in Mmakau, I expect you to reciprocate by jealously guarding the equipment and improvements made to this school, so that thieves and vandals do not rob our children of the opportunities of education that Sephola Bonatso can now provide," Moche said.
There to witness this event and demonstrate the support of the North West department of Education was a representative from MEC Mr Zachariah Tolo.
Telkom Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Nkhetheleng Vokwana, unveiled a special plaque marking the new partnership between Telkom, Rand Water Supply and the Mmakau community.
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