Kocho supports ‘life-changing’ tech hub in South Africa

Our long-term strategic partnership with mobile managed services provider Utelize Mobile has contributed £120,000 in support of solar powered digital classrooms and community hubs in South Africa.

Kocho and Utelize, alongside Dell Technologies, SITA South Africa, Computer Aid International, and Amandla Community Projects, came together for the launch of the latest hub, in Xitlhelani Village in the Limpopo province in South Africa’s rural north.

It officially opened to the public on March 2, 2024.

Xitlhelani Village launch

The fully solar-powered hub has been developed from refurbished shipping containers. It houses a 10-station computer lab, and free access to 30 laptops.

It’s a project designed to bridge the digital divide.

Offering free access to technology resources, computer training, and the internet, the hub provides a pathway for skills development and ICT qualifications.

It also means better access to online resources and tools that can help create CVs, or complete university and scholarship applications. Creating new career opportunities for a community with high youth unemployment and the lowest internet access rate in the country.

Representing Kocho at the launch was our Country Director in South Africa, Ricardo Canovi.

Hear what he has to say about this amazing initiative. 

How Kocho and Utelize are supporting

With a mission to raise £500,000 over the next 3 years, Utelize Mobile is supporting Computer Aid to bridge the digital divide by contributing to the funding of repurposed shipping containers and turning them into solar-powered facilities with internet access and computers. Kocho are proud to have helped contribute towards Utelize’s £120,000 raised so far.

The money has been raised by selling unwanted corporate smartphones donated by Kocho and Utelize customers at the end of their device’s life.

100% of the resale value goes directly to Computer Aid to fund the programme.

Richard Slade, Head of Partnerships at Utelize Mobile, said: “We partnered with Computer Aid because we wanted to help UK businesses do something positive with their corporate devices at end-of-life, rather than send it off for secure destruction.”

“The programme is an ideal way for our customers to support the circular economy for technology, and we are proud to be part of such an incredible project making a difference to rural communities in South Africa.”

More about The Solar Community Hub Program

Solar Community Hub (SCH) is Computer Aid International’s flagship program in partnership with Dell Technologies.

Originally created as a way of bringing technology to areas of the world without access to digital technology, the initiative is now moving beyond technology access for education alone.

The Solar Community Hubs improve access to technology, healthcare and workforce skills for communities in areas where infrastructure and opportunities are limited.

You can find out more about the amazing work being done around the world on their website.

Interested in a career with Kocho? Check out our latest opportunities for careers in South Africa and the UK.