Telkom Foundation Strengthens ICT Pipeline with Debt Relief and Skills Investment

As rising tuition costs and unpaid fees continue to prevent thousands of South African students from graduating, the Telkom Foundation has cleared the historic debt of 97 tertiary students, unlocking their ability to graduate in 2025 across institutions nationwide.

For these students, outstanding fees had become a final barrier despite completing their studies, delaying their entry into the workforce, and limiting their economic participation. This intervention removes that barrier at a critical moment, enabling them to move forward with their qualifications and careers.

In addition, 21 first year bursary recipients are currently being supported at leading universities across the country. Together, this forms part of a R6.4 million investment spanning 10 institutions, reflecting the Telkom Foundation’s focus on not only expanding access to higher education, but ensuring completion and progression.

“The conversation around student debt in the country is complex and deeply nuanced. At its core, it is about access, equity, and the ability for students to complete what they started. This intervention, alongside our broader bursary programme, reflects our commitment to removing financial barriers and enabling student success.”

– Judy Vilakazi, Head, Telkom Foundation

The historic debt intervention supported students from institutions including Tshwane University of Technology, Boston City Campus, Richfield, and Belgium Campus iTversity.

The impact of this intervention is particularly significant in the context of International Girls in ICT Day (23 April 2026), held under the theme “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future,” as the Foundation continues to prioritise gender inclusion in high-demand ICT fields. Through its ICT Academy and digital skills programmes, the Foundation is also equipping young women with critical digital, data and AI skills to participate in the future economy. To date, 30 young women have benefited from historic debt relief, with seven women across cohorts graduating with ICT-related qualifications, and 12 female students forming part of the current intake.

Students who benefited from the programme have expressed gratitude for the support, which has enabled them to transition into the next phase of their professional journeys.

Tshepo Muhlarh, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate at Richfield, says financial challenges had previously delayed his graduation.

“This support has given me the opportunity to overcome those obstacles. I am committed to using this chance to excel in my career and contribute meaningfully to society.”

– Tshepo Muhlarh, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate, Richfield

Tibatso Segokodi, also a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate from Richfield, adds that the intervention brought significant relief.

“It has allowed me to focus fully on reaching this milestone. I truly value the role this support has played in helping me achieve it.”

– Tibatso Segokodi, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate, Richfield

For nearly 30 years since its inception in 1998, the Telkom Foundation has focused on improving South Africa’s socio-economic landscape by empowering young people through education.

Its bursary programme provides comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, stipends, devices, books and registration fees. Students also receive mentorship, wellness support and job shadowing opportunities.

Beyond funding, the Foundation is intentional about strengthening the pipeline of women in ICT through targeted academic support, digital skills development and early exposure initiatives, ensuring that more young women are equipped to enter and succeed in technology careers.

Support begins at school level through initiatives such as the High School Support Programme, including partnerships like the Alexandra Education Committee, ChildLine and Lifeline who provide academic and psychosocial support to learners from Grade 8 to 12.

Complementing this, the Foundation’s academic support and digital skills programmes aim to strengthen teaching and learning by expanding access to technology, connectivity and digital skills. The Foundation has set a target of reaching 25 500 learners through ICT labs by 2028.

“It is deeply rewarding to see the tangible impact of our work in enabling students to graduate and pursue their careers. This is what meaningful investment in education looks like.”

– Judy Vilakazi, Head, Telkom Foundation