SHAYINA SHINES IN UMKHANYAKUDE AS DIGITAL RESOURCES OPEN NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNERS

By Precious Mupenzi

• ⁠The Department of Social Development has delivered laptops, connectivity and learning resources to Shayina High School in rural Umkhanyakude.
• The initiative, led by Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe in partnership with MTN, aims to bridge the digital divide for learners.
• The intervention empowers learners by providing access to technology and strengthening opportunities for academic success.

“For me, this is the first time I am touching a computer… now we will be able to learn.”

These were the words of a learner from Shayina High School in the Umkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal, capturing the impact of the Department of Social Development’s handover of digital resources to the school.

Excitement, gratitude and renewed hope marked the occasion as the Department, led by Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, fulfilled a commitment made during her visit to the school last year. The handover included 20 laptops, WiFi routers and essential stationery, delivered in partnership with MTN.

Located in the Thandizwe Reserve under the Tembe Tribal Authority in Manguzi within the Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, Shayina High School is recognised for its academic performance despite limited access to digital resources.
During her previous visit, Minister Tolashe committed to supporting the school by addressing digital access challenges. The handover marks the fulfilment of that commitment and a significant step towards expanding learning opportunities for learners in the area.

Learners, educators and School Governing Body members gathered for the handover ceremony, welcoming the resources that will improve access to information, enhance research capabilities and support digital learning.

The event was attended by Acting Director-General Advocate Gugulethu Thimane, officials from the Department of Social Development and the Department of Education, Umkhanyakude District Manager Mr T Motha, MTN representative Mr A Makhuvho, and Umkhanyakude District Mayor Councillor Siphile Mdaka.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Tolashe emphasised that the initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to ensuring equitable access to education.

“This is more than just a donation. It is an investment in your future. We want to see you succeed, compete and thrive in an increasingly digital world,” she said.

A learner speaking on behalf of the school expressed appreciation for the support and highlighted the importance of the intervention for learners who are being introduced to technology for the first time.

“This means everything to us. You have given us tools to dream bigger and work harder,” the learner said.

The handover also underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing development outcomes, with stakeholders such as MTN playing a key role in supporting access to digital resources.

As learners at Shayina High School begin to integrate technology into their education, the initiative represents a meaningful step towards closing the digital gap and empowering young people to participate in a knowledge-driven economy.

The Department of Social Development continues to prioritise initiatives that strengthen education, expand opportunities and build a capable, future-ready generation.