Vuma News

Make community support a year-round commitment

Every year, the world celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day by honouring the life and legacy of Tata Madiba through various corporate responsibility initiatives that aim to make a positive, lasting impact in communities. However, Mandela Day is more than a day of service. It serves as a powerful reminder for individuals, communities, and organisations to reflect on his values and recognise that the real measure of impact lies in what we do daily to drive sustainable change.

A call to sustained action

Under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality,” this year’s Mandela Day speaks directly to the issues that are a daily reality for many South Africans. It calls for a year-round commitment to community upliftment, emphasising the ongoing need to address systemic inequality and take meaningful action to alleviate poverty.

Mandela Day should not only serve as a moment of remembrance of a life of service with values deeply rooted in equality and justice, but also as a call to sustained service, one that champions unity, drives impact, and promotes long-term change.

Vuma’s everyday commitment to community upliftment

Vuma embodies this spirit of continuous service through its extensive, community-focused initiatives that go beyond delivering connectivity.

Vuma’s commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential extends beyond delivering high-speed internet or offering cost-effective, uncapped fibre deals. At its core, the company recognises that real transformation lies in ensuring inclusive access, particularly in areas where the digital divide still limits opportunity.

Bridging the digital divide in schools and in youth development

A flagship example of this commitment is the Fibre to the School initiative, which has connected over 930 schools across South Africa to 1Gbps fibre broadband. The initiative supports thousands of learners and educators by providing reliable access to digital learning tools, online platforms, and unlocking the benefits of fibre to help them develop new skills and knowledge in an increasingly digital world. It has also proven essential in bridging the digital divide, ensuring learners from all backgrounds have equal opportunities for success.

Vuma also invests in long-term partnerships with organisations focused on social and economic development. Collaborations with organisations such as GirlCode, Safe-Hub, Bazil Driving School, and RuraTech mobile digital libraries, among others, help young people access education, digital literacy and skills development opportunities, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the South African economy.

Beyond digital inclusion, Vuma’s impact extends into youth development through sport. Partnerships with Boland Rugby Union, IberCup, and the Vuma Golf Clinics, offer youth access to platforms that encourage personal growth, discipline, and opportunity, helping them elevate their game on and off the field.

Digital inclusion for all ages

Recognising the importance of intergenerational digital inclusion, Vuma also runs Gogos with Vuma, a programme that equips the elderly with basic digital skills. This reflects the company’s belief that digital inclusion must include everyone, regardless of age.

Commit to change all year round

These initiatives collectively show that meaningful impact does not always require creating new programmes or significant capital, just a collaborative spirit and a commitment to change. By partnering with existing NGOs and NPOs, organisations and individuals can make a difference by offering their time, skills, and resources. These everyday acts of service have the potential to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges and drive lasting change within communities. These efforts also reinforce that Mandela Day should not be viewed as a once-a-year occasion, but rather as an ongoing call to action, a reminder to make community support a sustained, year-round commitment.

This Mandela Day, Vuma encourages companies, individuals, and communities to make the other 364 days count by embracing the spirit of continuous giving - making every day a Mandela Day through collective action, compassion, and a commitment to lasting impact.