Nkhensani Ngomane is a Cluster Specialist at Vodacom and passionate about serving her community. We find out more about her inspiring exploits and how she’s impacting her community.
Why is giving back important to you?
Chinua Achebe, the Nigerian novelist, poet and a father of African literature said, “While we do our good work let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary”. Until that day we will give back because it bridges the gap between those who have and those without.
How do you decide what community programmes to participate in?
I participate in projects that are inclusive of the previously disadvantaged majority – programmes that empower young people to be leaders of their own lives, families and communities. I ensure these projects are educational and assist young people to be part of the economy and equal citizens of the world.
What are some of the community projects you’ve worked on?
Here are a few of the many:
- Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA): Through Rotary Haenertsburg we select students from rural schools to attend RYLA, which is an all-weekend paid programme. It’s filled with outdoor activities and indoor presentations, with an emphasis on leadership skills, personal development, emotional development, and citizenship.
- Vodacom ICT Centre Programme: Through Vodacom we give young school leavers, small business owners and the community of Nkowa-Nkowa and the surrounding villages, an opportunity to learn basic computer skills.
- Training local social workers and students on the Bright Sky app: Bright Sky is a gender-based violence app that provides information to anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse.
- Open Waves Radio SA: I volunteer every Thursday at 20:00 on Vision Redefined, a show that informs and educates people about how to get the goods and services they need to better themselves, their families and their communities.
Where can people start if they want to get involved in their communities?
You start where you are. You identify a gap, check your resources and capabilities and fill the gap. Ask and research about existing clubs, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) or school programmes in your community. Make time, visit them and find out what kind of support they require. If it matches your resources and capabilities, go for it!
Does working at Vodacom inspire you to do work in your community?
I call it a collaboration. The brand has enabled me to contribute towards my community tremendously. I’m able to work with schools and talk to them about services like Vodacom e-school, a digital education platform that connects learners, educators, and institutions. In 2021 we bought families groceries using Vodabucks, a reward programme for Vodacom customers, and then there’s the work at the Tivumbeni ICT centres. In a nutshell, Vodacom inspires and enables me to work in my community.
Connecting for Good
For over 25 years the Vodacom Foundation has been connecting South Africans across the nation, using technology to bring about a positive social change. The Vodacom Foundation is driven to support projects focusing on the delivery of public benefit through the application of technology across the areas of health, education and disaster relief. Find out more.
