Putting the Tshwane University of Technology’s value, Duty of Care, into action, the Vodacom Mpumalanga Region and TUT’s Mbombela Campus late last year signed a partnership that will yield great benefits for students. As part of the agreement, Vodacom has committed to expand the current Wi-Fi coverage on the campus by providing additional hotspots at its own cost.
According to Dr Kenneth Netshiombo, Mbombela Campus Director, students will be able to access the internet at different parts of the campus. Vodacom will periodically load the access points with data that students could use to access the internet.
“This arrangement will only apply to students who are Vodacom subscribers; and Vodacom will periodically alert student subscribers by SMS of the availability of free data at specific times,” says Dr Netshiombo.
The campus will also be able to use the Vodacom E-Learning Portal to assist learners who are enrolled for the campus’ Matric Upgrade Programme. Vodacom has a platform that supports e-learning with a number of learning tools for learners in Grades 4 to 12. “The portal hosts learner guides, previous examination papers and other learning tools which could also be used by learners enrolled for the Protec Saturday School programme for Grade 12 that is run on campus,” says Dr Netshiombo.
According to Dr Netshiombo Vodacom is keen to support the campus men’s and women’s soccer and netball teams, by providing them with soccer boots, jerseys and balls. “Vodacom will get mileage out of this gesture by enjoying a measure of visibility at tournaments and matches played at our campus,” says Dr Netshiombo.
“Furthermore, Vodacom has already hosted a competition among Mbombela students to identify a possible Brand Ambassador who is apolitical and has a sizeable followership on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other platforms. The campus is now awaiting Vodacom to finalise and formalise the process. The winner will receive a tablet from Vodacom,” says Dr Netshiombo.
Other developments:
In other developments, the campus has entered into a partnership with Ligwalagwala FM that will give live coverage of selected events on campus; provide airspace for the SRC and relevant staff members to talk about higher education; provide advertising; and promote cultural and sporting activities taking place at the campus.
The campus also collaborates with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to host joint career guidance and exhibition events. In addition it was agreed that Mentoring Programmes for NYDA grant beneficiaries on Financial Management and/or Bookkeeping will be introduced as practicals for final-year students. The parties further agreed to engage with the Association of Black Accountants of South Africa (ABASA) and the AGSA for the coaching final-year students in the areas of Accounting/Auditing and Financial Management.
NYDA further committed to avail information to students on the qualifying criteria for the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship and to explore possible ways to collaborate with the campus to administer the scholarship.
For more information on the Tshwane University of Technology, please contact Willa de Ruyter on tel: 012 382 5352 or send an email to derutyerw@tut.ac.za.