HONOR Technologies Africa, a leading telecommunications solutions provider, has donated devices worth $13,0025.00 to Siyafunda Community Technology Centre (CTC) in a ceremony held recently.
The devices include the Pad X9, HONOR’s latest tablet that features a large and high-resolution display, a fast refresh rate, and a six-speaker system.
The donation is part of HONOR’s corporate social responsibility programme, which aims to improve access to technology and digital skills for underserved communities. Mr. Zhou Lefeng, the CEO of HONOR Technologies Africa, said that he believes that technology is not a luxury but a necessity and a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. He expressed his confidence that the devices will empower Siyafunda’s students to access online education, seek job opportunities, and improve their lives.
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A partner in removing the cost barrier to technology
Siyafunda CTC is a non-profit organisation that operates a network of community-based centres that offer free or low-cost access to computers, the Internet, and digital literacy training. Siyafunda CTC uses donations from partners like HONOR to remove the cost barrier that often prevents people from adopting technology, especially in educational settings.
Mr. Mthobisi Masinga, the founder and director of Siyafunda CTC, thanked HONOR for their generous contribution and said that it would make a huge difference for the students and the communities they serve. He said that Siyafunda CTC has been working hard to provide online learning opportunities for its students during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the devices from HONOR will enhance their learning experience and outcomes.
A catalyst for empowerment, innovation, and inclusive growth
HONOR’s donation to Siyafunda CTC is not an isolated act, but part of a broader vision to promote empowerment, innovation, and inclusive growth in the country. HONOR has also responded positively to the invitation from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to participate in its Back To School 2024 programme, which aims to provide resources and support for schools and learners in the digital age.
HONOR sees the potential for “trillaborations” among government, non-profit organisations, and private technology companies to optimise corporate-social investments and achieve shared goals. HONOR’s Government Relations Manager, Ms. Slindokuhle Mbuyisa, said that such collaborations require design, negotiation, and trade-offs, but also offer great opportunities for synergy and impact. She said that HONOR’s partnership with Siyafunda CTC is a model and a feeder for future collaborations with government ministries and other community stakeholders.
HONOR has also made other contributions to various causes and beneficiaries, such as:
- A donation of R326,800.00 for skills development;
- A building ownership donation valued at R3.8 million to a black-owned media agency;
- The opportunity for 18 young people to enter the workforce through the Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative.
HONOR is committed to being a responsible and responsive corporate citizen and making a positive difference in society.
What is the impact of COVID-19 on digital inclusion in South Africa?
Digital inclusion is the ability of people to access and use digital technologies and services, regardless of their socioeconomic status, location, or other factors. COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of digital inclusion, as well as the challenges and opportunities for achieving it in South Africa.
According to some sources, COVID-19 has had both positive and negative impacts on digital inclusion in South Africa. On the positive side, COVID-19 has accelerated the digital transformation of many sectors, such as education, health, commerce, and government. It has also stimulated the demand and supply of digital devices, infrastructure, and content, as well as the development of digital skills and literacy. It has also created opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and social change through digital platforms.
On the negative side, COVID-19 has also exposed and deepened the digital divide between the rich and the poor, the urban and the rural, and the young and the old. Many people in South Africa still lack access to affordable, reliable, and quality internet connectivity, devices, and services. They also face barriers such as low digital literacy, lack of relevant and local content, and digital exclusion from essential services and information. These barriers have limited the ability of many people to benefit from the digital opportunities and to cope with the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.
Therefore, COVID-19 has implications for the digital inclusion policies and strategies in South Africa. There is a need for more investment, coordination, and innovation to address the digital gaps and inequalities and to ensure that everyone can participate in and benefit from the digital economy and society. There is also a need for more research, monitoring, and evaluation to measure the progress and impact of digital inclusion initiatives and to identify the best practices and lessons learned.