Between 2021 and 2024, Wits Enterprise, in collaboration with the Wits School of Education and funded by Harmony Gold, led a large-scale ICT in Education initiative across 19 under-resourced schools in South Africa. The aim: bridge the digital divide and improve outcomes in STEM and language education through a blend of technology integration and teacher empowerment. 

Key Outcomes:

• Over 300 teachers trained annually in digital pedagogy, with SACE-accredited professional development.

• Advanced tech infrastructure — including smart TVs, laptops, projectors, and VR tools — deployed across all schools.

• Over 625 learners each year benefitted from blended learning models, enhanced with virtual classroom support.

• Academic uplift: 80% of schools showed measurable improvements, with some like Lonwabo High and Wedela Primary achieving 100% pass rates.

The project also highlighted ongoing challenges, such as infrastructure gaps and varying levels of digital readiness. These insights are shaping the next phase of work.

Looking Ahead

Building on this success, future implementations of similar education-focused projects will take a more integrated approach. Wits Enterprise will continue to drive the research, and strategic consulting while Wits Plus — will take the lead on training delivery and educator development. This partnership allows for a clearer division of focus and deepens our collective capacity to deliver long-term, scalable educational transformation.