However, despite the internet infrastructure installed at these high-connectivity site schools, power disruptions often hinder Wi-Fi connectivity which disrupts academic activities that depend on a stable connection.

Through this initiative, the high-connectivity site schools in Mogalakwena in the LimpopoProvince, Gamagara and Tsantsabane in the Northern Cape, will be able to reduce electricity costs associated with Wi-Fi infrastructure and minimise connectivity interruptions during power outages and load-shedding, there by ensuring uninterrupted online learning.

“We collaborated with several mining companies to install Wi-Fi infrastructure to enhance teaching and learning. However, during monitoring and evaluation feedback sessions, educators informed us that load-shedding and load reduction schedules were significantly affecting Wi-Fi connectivity at the schools,” said Thato Matsio, Head of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and Education.

Due to these power challenges, teaching, learning, and administrative activities relying on reliable Wi-Fi connectivity were frequently disrupted across all eight high-connectivity site schools and the 23 connecting schools.

In response, theImpact Catalyst, with funding support from Komatsu South Africa totaling R2.3 million, addressed the internet connectivity issues by installing solar panels and inverters.

In addition to the solar installations, two of the eight high-connectivity site schools were equipped with brand-new ICT lab equipment, including laptops, screens, projectors and trolleys.

Mr. Gavin Mothopone, aMathematics and Science educator and ICT champion at Alfred B. Makapan HighSchool, remarked: "The new ICT lab equipment, including laptops, has significantly enhanced my teaching methods and enriched the learning experience for our learners. With each learner now having access to a laptop, they can explore online maths and science course materials, access revision resources and fully participate in online tutoring sessions."

Previously, the school faced challenges due to insufficient and outdated ICT lab equipment, which hindered effective teaching and learning. Students had to share slow and out dated computers, making lesson planning and execution difficult. However, with the recent addition of 45 laptops, along with a projector, screen, and trolley, the investment in Wi-Fi connectivity infrastructure has transformed the learning environment. This upgrade has notably improved the educational experience for learners in mathematics, science, and computer application technology.

Komatsu is a global manufacturing company with a deep commitment to its host communities. Manager:Employee Relations and Transformation for Komatsu South Africa, Reginald Tshabalala, emphasised that this initiative is not just a socio-economic development effort to advance educational outcomes but also a reflection of Komatsu’s dedication to uplifting it's host communities.

Tshabalala further highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative for Komatsu: “Education and skills development is at the heart of socio-economic development of the communities and through education we are empowering the learners. Thereby enabling a sustainable future for our future generation. This project objective is aimed at answering the ICT educational needs of the local community".

According to Matsio, backup power is still required at many of the schools where Wi-Fi connectivity has been provided. To address this, the Impact Catalyst will collaborate with partners in the next phase of the initiative to stabilise Wi-Fi access by deploying backup power solutions. Additionally, the initiative is exploring the possibility of connecting more schools and equipping them with the necessary ICT tools, ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital age.