Four schools in Limpopo are stepping into the digital age, thanks to a partnership between the University of Limpopo’s (UL) Rural Development and Innovation Hub (RDIH) and BANKSETA, which brought essential digital skills and brand-new tablets to 80 Grade 12 learners
By Kgabo Selepe | ulpublications@ul.ac.za
Eighty learners from Gerson Ntjie, Lesailane, Doasho, and Moseki High Schools in Sekhukhune and Capricorn Districts have gained vital digital training and tools, enabling them not only to navigate computers and various programmes but also to apply online for university admissions and bursaries.
As part of the impactful 2024 Digital Fluency Programme—launched in 2022 to uplift students from disadvantaged backgrounds— the learners received tablets, school bags, and certificates alongside their digital skills training.
The programme covers critical skills like navigating computer applications, internet use, and identifying credible websites, all designed to prepare learners for the digital demands of higher education and beyond.
Lucky Moamba, Community Engagement Officer at RDIH, highlighted the programme’s broader mission: “We aim to ensure these learners transition smoothly from high school into institutions of higher learning by equipping them with essential skills like basic proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other applications. We also assist with applications for admission to universities and bursaries.”
He said that since its inception, the programme has touched the lives of numerous learners across the province, with plans for expansion.
During the awards ceremony in Sekhukhune, Lesailane High School’s Acting Principal, Billy Mogolego, encouraged Grade 11 learners to follow in their Grade 12 peers’ footsteps: “Aim high, dream big, and work tirelessly towards your goals. Your future is shaped by today’s choices. Seize every opportunity and unleash your full potential,” Mogolego urged.
Johannes Lediga, Principal of Doasho High School in Capricorn District, praised the collaboration: “This partnership has been a game-changer. Thanks to UL and BANKSETA, our learners now have the digital skills they need to thrive in today’s world.”
Learners from Gerson Ntjie Secondary shared their excitement about mastering email creation. “What we enjoy most about computer training is learning how to create an email. It helps us further our studies and explore what institutions have to offer,” said one learner.
Lesailane Secondary learners, proud of their Microsoft Word skills, boasted about mastering sentence formatting, border creation, and text wrapping. “Creating documents and adding images has become so easy!” they said.
Elelwani Netshituni, Regional Manager for BANKSETA in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, emphasised the impact of the initiative: “Investing in digital literacy isn’t just about providing devices. It’s about equipping these learners with the skills to navigate an increasingly digital world. Now, they have the tools to create their own success stories.”