Wits thanks SA Post Office for delivering laptops to students
- Wits University
SA Post Office enables online learning through the delivery of almost 5 000 laptops to Wits students across the country.
The Speed Services Courier Unit of the South African Post Office (SAPO) delivered almost 5 000 laptops to the homes of disadvantaged Wits students across South Africa – including in rural areas, thereby allowing these students to continue with their studies online.
The University suspended contact teaching due to the national COVID-19 lockdown and commenced with emergency remote teaching and learning on 20 April 2020. In its transition to online learning, Wits established a Mobile Computing Bank that granted qualifying students access to a mobile device for online learning purposes. A partnership with the SAPO ensured that students who needed mobile devices could continue learning during the lockdown. SAPO successfully delivered these devices to the homes of students.
SAPO Acting CEO, Ivumile Nongogo hailed the sterling service of the SAPO staff who ensured the seamless delivery of mobile devices to Wits students.
“I want to commend our drivers and other employees for their dedication during this time when regular transport connections were not available. This is another example of the role that the Post Office plays in making South Africa’s infrastructure work and bringing services to the people,” he said.
Professor Adam Habib, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal expressed his deep gratitude towards the SAPO.
“All devices were delivered promptly by SAPO employees to students at various locations across the country (including many rural areas), thus enabling the students to participate in the University’s online academic programme. This project is an exemplar of how public institutions can work together efficiently to achieve a common good that benefits society,” he said. “We are appreciative of the SAPO and its efficient delivery of services that has positively impacted on the lives of thousands of students.”
This mutually beneficial relationship has benefitted students, Wits and the SAPO and we look forward to partnering on similar projects in the future.