MTN South Africa Expands Online Safety Programme to More Schools
The latest phase of the initiative was launched at Immaculata Secondary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, as part of a broader nationwide rollout aimed at strengthening digital literacy and safer online behaviour among learners.
MTN South Africa has expanded its efforts to promote online safety and digital awareness among young people through the next phase of its Help Children Be Children programme.
The latest phase of the initiative was launched at Immaculata Secondary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, as part of a broader nationwide rollout aimed at strengthening digital literacy and safer online behaviour among learners.
According to MTN South Africa, the programme has already reached more than 1,500 learners across five provinces in 2026. The telecom operator plans to extend the initiative to 2,500 learners through structured, peer-led engagements in schools.
At the heart of the programme is the Web Rangers model, which trains learners to become digital ambassadors within their schools. Participants are equipped to lead discussions and raise awareness around responsible internet use, cyberbullying, misinformation, online safety and emerging digital risks.
The peer-led approach is designed to encourage students to support one another and foster safer online environments within their communities. By empowering young people to educate their peers, the programme aims to build sustainable digital safety practices among learners.
Keabetswe Mabe, General Manager for Sustainability and B-BBEE at MTN South Africa, emphasized the importance of moving beyond one-off awareness campaigns and adopting long-term educational approaches to digital wellbeing and online safety.
As digital connectivity continues to expand across South Africa, initiatives such as Help Children Be Children are increasingly focusing on ensuring that young people are not only connected but also equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the online world safely.
The programme reflects broader efforts within the telecommunications sector to promote digital inclusion, online safety and responsible technology use, particularly among children and young people who are becoming increasingly active participants in the digital economy.
