Top Khayelitsha pupils receive laptops to bridge the digital divide

A group of Khayelitsha matriculants received a major boost to their educational journeys when the deputy minister of higher education and training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) visited Joe Slovo Engineering Senior Secondary School to hand out laptops to the top achievers from 20 local schools. 

The ceremony took place on Thursday, November 13. Two pupils from each school were selected, making a total of 40 pupils who received the laptops.  

The initiative forms part of a broader drive to close the digital divide and to ensure that promising pupils have the tools they need to excel in higher education.

“We understand that our government gave us an opportunity to bring critical educational tools so that pupils can attain their dreams and access bursaries,” Dr Ncube said.

“We wanted to ensure that we bring such tools and resources.”

In addition to receiving laptops, pupils were assisted with university applications and funding applications for 2026, ensuring they enter the next stage of their academic journey equipped and supported. Dr Ncube urged pupils to remain focused and never underestimate the value of education.

“You must never listen to anyone who says education is not important. Whether you are a woman or a man, nobody can take away your degree. Even if you are the poorest of the poor, nobody can take away what you have learned and achieved.”

Drawing from personal experience, she reminded the pupils that success is possible, regardless of their background.

“I never went to a Model C school. I grew up in the township, raised by a single parent after my father died when I was very young. But today I am here. Today I have a PhD that I worked hard for, and no one can take that away from me.” 

“If we want to ensure a bright future, we must educate ourselves. Opportunities like these must be grabbed with both hands. Not everyone receives such chances, and they shouldn’t be taken for granted,” she said. She emphasized that government initiatives, such as NSFAS support, bursary opportunities, and career guidance, exist precisely to help young people focus on their studies rather than worry about financial barriers.

“This opportunity says to you: write your exams, put in the hard work, pass, and the government will give you free education.”

She encouraged pupils to explore TVET colleges, highlighting the value of vocational and practical training in securing long-term livelihoods. She told pupils to research high-demand skills, especially in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, warning that many traditional jobs, including directors and CEOs, could become redundant within the next two decades.

“Your future is bright, and it lies in your hands. We are also here to celebrate your academic excellence. These laptops are going to be more than tools,” she said, adding that they will represent hopes and dreams.

"They will represent digital inclusion, because in this day and age, you cannot do anything without technology.” She said the government’s commitment to ensuring that every pupil has access not only to digital tools, but also to the training needed to use them effectively.

"We must ensure our young people are educated. We trust that this country will not be led by uneducated people. The future truly belongs to you.” 

Grade 12 pupil from Harry Gwala high school in Makhaza, Likhona Mlahlo, said she was excited that she was amongst the group of young people who received laptops. She believes that this will help her aim for higher grades.

She told Vukani that she plans to study towards an engineering course next year. Harry Gwala High School teacher, Mhlalisi Hlathi ka Mungeka, said he was proud that two of his pupils had received laptops and hopes that this will inspire others from the school to do well.