The month of July is traditionally known as a time where Vodacom employees pause as they celebrate the social upliftment projects and good work done in communities through the Vodacom Foundation. The company has, since 1999, contributed more than R660-million towards various community projects in the country. July is a double celebration as it also coincides with International Mandela Day.

This year Vodacom has given each of their employees 16 hours paid leave to volunteer time, goods, cash and skills. Employees will put this to good use as they partake in volunteer activities at one of the ten Vodacom Change the World regional charities. Activities include erecting jungle gyms; garden maintenance, packing food packs; renovations; handing over blankets, teaching ICT skills and entertaining the aged and children amongst others. The charities include FAMSA Upington, Free State Residential Care, New Beginningz, Jo’burg Child Welfare, NOAH, Ndlovu, APD Polokwane, TSiBA Education, ST Anne’s Home, Algoa Bay Council for the Aged and Smile Foundation.

“We are proud to have a strong tradition of volunteerism here where our employees welcome the opportunity to serve their communities, taking on causes we each believe in, whether it’s giving our Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, caring for the environment or painting a brighter future for children,” said Portia Maurice, head of innovation and partnering division at Vodacom.

This year there is a strong information communication technology focus, as staff are encouraged to ‘unlock the power of the internet’ and donate ICT skills and training to the charity in their region.

“We celebrate through helping the community and giving back, keeping the spirit of volunteerism alive. Vodacom instills not just professionalism and efficiency in its employees but also a sense of community and compassion,” said Maurice.