In the rural landscapes of South Africa, where access to technology has long been limited, a remarkable transformation is underway. Katekani Whitney Ngobeni, Veronica Ndubane, and Tatenda Hlatshwayo, three women from Mpumalanga, are not just enhancing their IT skills—they are uplifting their communities in the process. Through their involvement with the Good Work Foundation (GWF), these women are breaking down barriers and reshaping the narrative around digital access in rural areas.
Bridging the Digital Divide
The Good Work Foundation (GWF) is playing a pivotal role in addressing the digital divide in South Africa. By providing high-speed internet and comprehensive skills development programs in rural regions, GWF empowers young people to gain valuable experience in the IT sector. For Ngobeni, Ndubane, and Hlatshwayo, this has been a life-changing opportunity.
Katekani Whitney Ngobeni: A Guardian Against Cyber Scams
Hailing from the village of Thulamahashe, Katekani Whitney Ngobeni always had a passion for IT. When she secured an internship at GWF in 2023, she knew it was her chance to make a difference. “I’ve always wanted to be in IT,” Ngobeni shares. “GWF gave me the platform to gain workplace experience and deepen my knowledge of information technology.”
Ngobeni’s journey at GWF equipped her with the skills needed to help her community navigate the often treacherous waters of the internet. “People in rural areas are vulnerable to online scams,” she explains. “I’ve learned to educate my community on the dangers of sharing personal information and recognizing the signs of online fraud.”
Her work is crucial in protecting her community from the increasing threats posed by cybercriminals who prey on those less familiar with digital safety.
Veronica Ndubane: IT as a Gateway to Data Analysis
For Veronica Ndubane, the path to IT began with a dream of becoming a data analyst. Coming from Kuhlo in Mpumalanga, she saw IT as the stepping stone to her aspirations. “I wanted to be a data analyst, and IT seemed like the best way to get there,” Ndubane explains.
GWF’s Bridging Year Academy program provided her with essential skills, from improving her typing speed to mastering advanced computer skills like coding and biometrics. These newly acquired talents have enabled her to assist her community with various tech-related issues, saving them money and time. “People are grateful because they don’t have to replace devices that can be easily fixed,” she notes.
Tatenda Hlatshwayo: Beyond IT—Building Confidence and Communication Skills
Tatenda Hlatshwayo’s experience with GWF has been about more than just technical skills. Coming from Mabarhule in Mpumalanga, she credits the foundation for boosting her confidence and improving her communication abilities. “The training helped me get better at communication,” Hlatshwayo says. “I gained confidence through the presentations we had to deliver.”
Starting as a student in 2020, Hlatshwayo eventually became an ICT facilitator for two years. She now works for another company, where she continues to apply the IT skills she honed at GWF. Moreover, she has inspired other young people in her village to join the foundation, many of whom have found new job opportunities thanks to the skills they learned.
Financial Independence and Changing Mindsets
The impact of GWF’s training goes beyond technical skills. Ngobeni, Ndubane, and Hlatshwayo have all achieved financial independence, using their new-found expertise to contribute to their households and support their families. “Being part of the IT program has allowed me to inspire other women,” Ngobeni says. “We’re changing the way people view the roles of women in society.”
Ndubane adds that her internship has transformed how she views the world of work and manages her finances. “I can now help out in the household by contributing money for groceries,” she says, highlighting the broader economic impact of the GWF programs.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Change
Kate Groch, CEO of GWF, emphasizes that the foundation’s mission extends beyond providing internet access. “It’s about becoming a transmission tower,” she says, “sending graduates like Katekani, Veronica, and Tatenda into the world as powerful signals of change.”
As these women continue to break new ground in IT, they not only uplift themselves but also their communities, proving that with the right support, the digital divide can be bridged, one skill at a time.
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