The campaign aims to better equip learners from disadvantaged communities for a digitally fit future. 

Great Drive host Kyeezi did a live crossing from the school, involving the principal, staff and learners. The school has approximately 1 440 learners, with most learners coming from Heideveld, Manenberg, Surrey Estate and Vanguard Estate. However, some learners come from Gugulethu, Langa and Nyanga areas. 

"Despite the socioeconomic challenges faced by our learners and their parents, the school manages to do a bit of its fundraising and provide for several extra-mural activities to counter unhealthy environmental challenges — such as gangsterism and drug dependency," says principal William Meck.

"There is, however, much room for improvement," adds Meck. "We have a modest computer room, but it's unable to meet all the needs of the teachers and learners — many of whom don't have access to computers at their homes." 

"The lack of proper equipment has hampered the progress of learners who need to use these machines for research or to complete tasks, as well as those who are specifically interested in coding. These laptops will make a world of difference," Meck says. 

Kyeezi says, "It was amazing to spend time with the learners, to experience their energy and to feel how keen they are to learn more. Laptops are some of the fundamental tools we often take for granted, but for some of these learners it opens up a world of information, opportunities and insights that they may not otherwise have had access to."

"The next Thuli Madonsela, Desmond Tutu or Elon Musk could be here, so it's remarkable that we could give them a set of keys to open up that potential," adds Kyeezi. 

The SABC's head of communications and stakeholder relations Ndileka Cola says, "SABC CSI is proud of this back-to-school initiative, as we do not regard it as just spending funds but rather investing in the future of our youth through access to basic tools that will further develop their educational journey."

"The donation of laptops has contributed immensely to the education system of schools we have interacted with thus far and it is a sustainable project. The donations also speak to the government's efforts to have everyone participating in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the public broadcaster playing its role in fulfilling that mandate," adds Cola.

"We are excited as the laptops will assist learners from grade eight to start operating a computer. In our criteria for selecting institutions of learning, we look for schools that teach CAT and we also request the principals to allow other learners who don't take CAT as a subject to be taught basic computer literacy skills," Cola says. 

"As we are aware that all higher education institutions make use of digital lectures, we identify the need to empower learners by donating laptops, which is our key contribution to 'Back to School' campaign," concludes Cola. 

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