In a groundbreaking initiative to bridge the digital divide and empower education, Octotel, South Africa’s best-rated fibre network, and one of its internet service providers (ISPs), RSAWEB, in collaboration with Project Isizwe and Huddle Education, is transforming learning environments across the Western Cape.

Together, these four organisations are tackling the challenges of educational inequality by equipping underserved schools with free high-speed internet access, digital resources, and skills training for educators.

This innovative partnership is currently rolling out at Grassy Park High, Khanyolwethu Secondary in Strand, and with Education Ally – the operating partner of Kraaifontein High School. These three schools exemplify the resilience and potential of South Africa’s public education system.

“Connectivity on its own isn’t enough – it’s what you do with it that truly changes lives. This partnership works because each organisation brings something valuable to the table. We deliver free, reliable, high-speed fibre that removes access barriers; Project Isizwe ensures that it reaches the communities that need it most; and Huddle brings the curriculum, training, and on-the-ground support that turns technology into real learning.” – Carly-Beth Haydricks, Octotel CSR team lead.

Zero-rated connectivity

Through Octotel and RSAWEB’s 1GB fibre sponsorship, classrooms that were once offline now have seamless, zero-rated connectivity. As a result, teachers stream lessons and students access interactive content. Now, learning is no longer limited by infrastructure. All of this is powered by possibility.

To date, Octotel has connected over 160 schools across the Western Cape. This benefits more than 50,000 learners.

Consequently, it proves that fibre can do more than connect devices. In fact, it can connect futures.

The non-profit organisations, Project Isizwe and Huddle Education, ensure the free, reliable internet reaches the classrooms that need it most. Furthermore, their work guarantees that digital resources complement traditional teaching. This makes learning fun, engaging, and impactful. It prepares learners for a digital workforce and economy.

“At Huddle, we bring the educational expertise that transforms connected classrooms into dynamic learning ecosystems. Teachers in the programme receive devices, training, and ongoing mentorship,allowing them to integrate digital learning into everyday teaching.” – Mona Ewees Mkumatela, head of implementation at Huddle.

“This is about more than technology – it’s about building a culture of growth, engagement, and resilience,” added Mkumatela.

“Working together with Octotel, RSAWEB and Project Isizwe allows us to create solutions that are far more impactful than any organisation could achieve alone.”

“Too many schools sit on the wrong side of the digital divide. This partnership demonstrates how internet connectivity can unlock meaningful learning for teachers and learners alike.” – Shireen Powell, CEO of Project Isizwe

Blended learning routine introduced

Across these schools, learners now experience a blended-learning routine. Lessons are introduced via Huddle videos, followed by workbook exercises, all powered by Octotel connectivity.

“We’re not just connecting schools – we’re connecting potential, dreams, and futures.

“When learners in underserved communities can access the same digital tools as anyone else, the possibilities are endless. For us at Octotel, this is what connectivity with purpose looks like: opening doors, shaping futures, and proving that fibre can be a powerful force for social change.” – Carly-Beth Haydricks.

This collaboration by Octotel and RSAWEB with Project Isizwe and Huddle is rewriting the narrative of public education in South Africa. It demonstrates that technology, when paired with expertise and heart, can do more than provide internet. It can unlock opportunities, inspire ambition, and create pathways to a better life for thousands of learners in the country.