Central SA
Free State Schools Governance Institute launch telecommunications support programme─── EVA MOLEKANE 11:30 Sat, 25 Oct 2025
The Free State Schools Governance Institution hosted a special business launch for its School Governing Body Telecommunication Programme (SGB) on Friday (25/10), held at the Art Café in Bloemfontein.
This initiative is aimed at improving the way schools are managed in the Free State education sector. The president of the South Africa Principals Association in the Free State (FSSGI), Motsamai Shale, said the crucial element of the programme is the tools required for implementation.
“I want to say to schools and SGBs change is permanent, therefore, things are changing. They must adapt to change so everything can go smoothly. For example, there were no cell phones in the past, and nowadays you cannot do without a cell phone.“
The programme is expected to contribute to the broader transformation of schools. Shale said it will achieve this through capacity building not only for the SGBs but also for principals and the school leadership teams.
The president of FSSGI , Isaac Vani, highlighted the ambitious vision behind the partnership. He described it as more than just a collaboration with Vodacom but a strategic alliance.
“It aimed at strengthening school governance and improving communication across educational institutions and reaffirming the collective commitment to building stronger, more connected, and future-ready schools.
“I’m impressed by the digital development we are going to bring to our schools because it’s going to develop all the components we have in schools. Your teaching component, your learners, the parents and the community.”
School governing body members and teachers at the Telecommunication Programme business launch. Photo: Eva Molekane
With Vodacom partnering with the Free State Schools Governance Institute, it aims to ensure long-term sustainability by investing heavily in closing connectivity and infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural and remote schools.
“We ensure the solutions we offer are sustainable enough for us to be able to build capacity and evolve as curriculums and content for learning, said Vodacom executive for digital transformation, Gaopalelwe Mogapi.
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OFM News/Eva Molekane and Refilwe Bekane dg
