Connect for a Better Future: 6 ways Vodacom is using Technology to create real impact in South Africa
Vodacom’s Purpose, we connect for a better future, isn’t just a catchphrase. It’s a tech-powered mission shaping everyday life across South Africa.
From youth skills to green innovation, these stories show how Vodacom is using digital tools, platforms and partnerships to make the country more inclusive, sustainable, and connected.
Our purpose is about creating impact you can feel. Read on to see how we’re using tech to make the world a better place.
1. Innovations to Improve SA’s Renewable Energy
Vodacom introduced Africa’s first virtual wheeling model, a digital system that lets power from independent renewable suppliers “follow” energy use across multiple Vodacom sites. No panels required, just smart tech, data, and commitment.
This innovation reduces carbon emissions, strengthens energy resilience, and opens the door for more businesses to tap into clean power.
Learn more about Digital Wheeling here.
2. Turning E-Waste into Skills and Second Chances
Vodacom’s circular-economy programme doesn’t just recycle devices, it creates jobs, builds green skills, and turns old tech into opportunity.
Through RedLovesGreen and 37 repair centres, devices are assessed, repaired, refurbished, donated, or responsibly recycled. A dedicated learnership trains unemployed youth in e-waste management, empowering them with future-fit skills.
Learn more about RedLovesGreen here.
3. Closing the Digital Skills Gap with TechStart
TechStart is Vodacom’s ambitious drive to equip 1 million youth with digital skills across Africa.
By blending online learning, accessible platforms, and community-based training, the programme helps young people move from unemployed to employable, or even entrepreneurial.
This is digital inclusion at scale: practical, future-facing, and powered by Vodacom’s tech ecosystem.
Learn more about Techstart here.
4. Inspiring the Next Wave of Women in Tech
Vodacom’s Code Like a Girl initiative gives young women hands-on exposure to coding, digital tools, and real-world tech problem solving.
With mentorship, training, and confidence-building at its core, the programme is shifting the gender narrative in STEM and opening doors for a generation that deserves equal access to tech careers.
Learn more about Code Like a Girl here.
5. Building mental wellbeing support communities
Beyond connectivity, Vodacom’s purpose shows up in community support, mental health services, eco-friendly early childhood centres, and youth empowerment programmes.
This is purpose as a system, not a moment. Real investment, long-term projects, and measurable impact across People, Planet, and Possibilities.
Learn more about purpose led initiatives here.
6. GBV Awareness and Prevention
When You See It: Tackling SA’s Silent Epidemic
In response to South Africa’s GBV crisis, Vodacom launched a campaign highlighting red flags in abusive relationships, urging bystanders to act, and promoting safe-space tools like the Bright Sky app for support and confidential reporting. The article lays out warning signals of abuse and encourages communities to intervene early.
This effort uses tech and storytelling to spotlight gender-based violence not just as a social issue, but as a call to digital-age collective action. Learn more about GBV signs and the Bright Sky app here.
These six powerful initiatives show that Vodacom’s purpose doesn’t live only in marketing speak, it lives in renewable energy, digital justice, gender empowerment, mental-health awareness, community safety, and social upliftment.
By leveraging technology and its national footprint, Vodacom is helping to close the digital divide, fight inequality, and build a safer, fairer, more connected South Africa. For more purpose led content click here.
