Telkom Foundation Strengthens ICT Pipeline with Debt Relief and Skills Investment
The historic debt intervention supported students from institutions including Tshwane University of Technology, Boston City Campus, Richfield, and Belgium Campus iTversity.
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 impact of Telkom Foundation’s assistance
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.
Tibatso Segokodi, also a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate from Richfield, adds that the intervention brought significant relief.
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.
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