Alexandra (Alex) Township is bursting with joy, ululation and vibrant energy as the local grandmothers (gogos) who have participated in the GOGOs with Vuma digital skills training programme celebrated their graduation on 8 August 2024. These 33 gogos, who have embraced the digital world through educational platforms, mobile apps, and emails, are now fully equipped to support their grandchildren and families with essential digital skills.
For over four years, the NGO goGOGOgo, through its flagship programme iGOGO, has been instrumental in digitally enabling gogos across South Africa. The organisation recognised the need for greater digital literacy among older people in peri-urban areas, leading to initiatives such as the GOGOs with Vuma training programme, in partnership with South Africa’s leading fibre network operator (FNO), Vuma.
Prior to starting these workshops, research by goGOGOgo found that many older people were fearful of adopting technology due to mistrust, frustration, doubt, and denial.
“Gogos worry about phishing scams, banking fraud, compromised personal information, and their grandchildren’s online safety,” says Jane Simmonds, Executive Director and Founder of goGOGOgo.
“As they graduate today, we are confident that they have overcome their initial fear to technology with the help of trainers and the support network created through the funding and support of Vuma. Thanks to Vuma, they are now fully fledged participants of this modern digital world.”
Simmonds believes that with many gogos playing crucial caregiving roles, it’s vital to equip them with digital skills to support their grandchildren’s educational needs and bridge the digital divide among the elderly.
“As we celebrate Women’s Month under the theme, ‘Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development’, we are reminded of the vital role gogos play in socio-economic empowerment since the advent of democracy. Equipping them with digital skills is a sign of recognising their role and value, ensuring that they are not left behind and that they can continue to share their knowledge with the next generation.”
According to Thando Mokoena, an Alex resident and GOGOs with Vuma Training Facilitator, this project not only enhances the gogos’ lives but also positively impacts their families and the Alex community. By giving their grandchildren internet access and preparing them for a digital future, it strengthens the bond between generations.
Furthermore, being from the Alex community herself, Mokoena is excited to see the impact this initiative will have on the gogos and their grandchildren firsthand.
“We are excited to see our gogos graduate and make such significant strides in digital literacy. We cannot wait to see what they do with their newly learned skills. Since I’m also from the community, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the gogos, our WhatsApp group will be on another level. I can’t wait to receive new stickers and memes from the gogos,” says Mokoena.
The gogos were thrilled to have come across this opportunity, as many of them had spent years not working or applying their minds to academics. This proved to them that educational training is open to people of all ages, not just the youth.
“I’m grateful for this programme, some of us have stayed a long time without doing anything, and now GOGOs with Vuma has proven to us that education is not associated with age. Today we are receiving our certificates and free tablets that will not only help us as gogos but will also be used by our grandchildren. As gogos, people tend to forget about us, hence I am grateful for Vuma, may they continue to reach out to other gogos in other areas,” says Gogo Priscilla Talakgale, one of the graduates.
According to Jayden Madonsela, Gogo Priscilla’s granddaughter, the programme has changed her family’s lives drastically as her gogo is now self-reliant when using her phone and doesn’t rely on anyone to assist her with using her tablet.
“Before attending the training, she only knew how to use her phone to play games and make calls. Now she’s able to assist us with our homework and teach other gogos how to use the internet.”
iGOGO, in partnership with the GOGOs with Vuma programme, which rolled out across five provinces—Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Western Cape—aims to achieve a national footprint by the end of 2024 and reach 200 gogo graduates.