The official unemployment rate has surged to 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024, marking the highest level since 2002. In response to this severe crisis, Vodacom Business, in collaboration with Anani Technologies and Unisa, has launched a call centre aimed at addressing the unemployment challenge. This initiative is set to create much-needed jobs, enhance community welfare, and provide support for Unisa’s staff and students. Notably, over 50% of the initial workforce comprises women, reflecting Vodacom’s commitment to inclusivity.
Since its launch, the call centre has outperformed standard industry metrics, achieving a 98% service level, an 85% first contact resolution score, and an abandonment rate of just 0.74%. This success is attributed to the thorough training of Anani consultants, who are well-prepared to cater to the needs of Unisa’s community.
Videsha Proothveerajh, Director of Vodacom Business, expressed, “At Vodacom, we collaborate with like-minded partners to drive positive change in our communities and across the nation. This partnership is a step toward addressing the pressing unemployment issue.”
She added, “Our goal extends beyond creating jobs for young people; we also aim to foster transformative opportunities for SMEs through technological solutions, thus advancing socio-economic progress in South Africa. We are especially proud of the significant number of women involved in this initiative, a milestone celebrated during Women’s Month.”
Vodacom Business’s investment in Anani as an SME partner and reseller for Unisa’s mobile internet services is pivotal for supporting distance learning. This effort aligns with Unisa’s broader collaboration with Vodacom Business, which includes backing SMEs in fulfilling contracts and contributing to national development goals.
Mr. Sibusiso Mthembu, Director of Supply Chain Management at Unisa, stated, “Our partnership with Vodacom Business has led to the creation of a call centre with Anani Technologies. This centre plays a crucial role in connecting with our dispersed student body across the continent.”
In the past financial year, Vodacom invested R8.8 billion in enterprise development and preferential procurement, with R7 billion allocated to 1,037 small enterprises, including Anani Technologies.
Derrick Kupa, Managing Director of Anani Technologies, remarked, “Through our collaboration with Vodacom and Unisa, Anani Technologies has developed a customer experience centre that supports mobile internet services for distance learning. This call centre exemplifies our joint commitment to SME support, economic growth, and youth employment.”
Proothveerajh concluded, “We believe SMEs are vital for economic growth and job creation. By offering business support and innovative technology, we strive to build an inclusive, sustainable digital society where all can prosper.”
As Vodacom marks three decades of connecting people and transforming lives, it remains dedicated to advancing community welfare and invites businesses of all sizes to partner with it in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities that benefit South Africa.
