By Mathipa Phishego
Helping learners in under-resourced schools break through the digital divide by equipping them with essential online application skills was at the core of the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Faculty of Information and Communication Technology’s (ICT) 2025 Community Engagement Initiative. Hosted at the eMalahleni Campus on 16 August, TUT enabled learners from six local high schools to submit university and bursary applications online - a crucial step for those without access to computers, internet or printers.
“With many institutions discouraging walk-in applications, online access is no longer a luxury but a necessity. We don’t just provide tools and resources, we boost confidence and motivate learners to further their studies,” said Tebatso Mpheti, coordinator of the initiative.
The programme reached learners from Quintile 1 to 4 schools, where access to digital infrastructure is often limited and mobile phones remain the only tool - frequently hindered by high data costs and limited functionality. Guided by ICT staff and ten student volunteers, learners created Gmail accounts, scanned and uploaded documents via Google Drive, completing at least two higher education applications, including one to TUT.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on poverty eradication, quality education, decent work and infrastructure development. A strong turnout of almost 100 learners was recorded, with schools such as Ogies Combined, Mabande, TP Sililo, Zacheus Malaza, Philip Ntimande and Ezinambeni High taking part.
Staff members including Angelina Bhembe, Mpheti, Mfumi Nkosi and Modishi “Gustav” Mamosadi worked alongside student volunteers to ensure smooth logistics, hands-on guidance and one-on-one support. The five-hour long outreach left learners not only equipped with new digital skills but also empowered to confidently pursue further studies.
Staff, students and volunteers from the Department of Computer Science all assisted to empower learners in bridging the digital gap and increasing access to higher education.